Exciting new talents in England squad for New Zealand tour
- Six uncapped players, including Ollie Sleightholme and Curry, selected for England squad tour to New Zealand.
- Sleightholme is one of the seven Saints included in the squad.
- The inclusion of these young talents brings fresh energy and potential to the team.
Northampton Saints wing Ollie Sleightholme has been called up to England’s squad for the tour of Japan and New Zealand as one of six uncapped players in a 36-man group. With George Ford nursing an Achilles issue and not touring, Northampton’s Fin Smith and Marcus Smith of Harlequins are set to battle for the starting fly half shirt, with George Furbank and Henry Slade providing cover. Genge’s absence affords an opportunity to youngsters Fin Baxter and Bevan Rodd, who join Joe Marler in the loosehead mix. Captain Jamie George, Saracens teammate Theo Dan and Oghre are named as the hookers with Curtis Langdon thought to have missed out due to a shoulder injury, while veteran Dan Cole anchors the tighthead group in what may be the 37-year-old’s final tour. Harry Randall is the beneficiary of Danny Care’s retirement at nine, while Harlequins centre Luke Northmore and Sale pair Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck will press for a first cap wider out alongside Sleightholme. "The National Stadium in Tokyo is an incredible venue for Test match rugby, and we will need to be at our very best against a Japanese team who will want to play fast," added Borthwick.