England spring surprise with Danny Care recalled to face Barbarians
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England have sprung a surprise by naming Danny Care in their training squad for Sundayโs non-cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Over three years after making the last of his 84 Test appearances against Japan, Care has been rewarded for his sparkling form for Harlequins by being included in a 36-strong group who are to prepare for the warm-up to next monthโs Australia tour.
Players from Gallagher Premiership finalists Saracens and Leicester are missing โ they are in action at Twickenham on Saturday โ but otherwise Eddie Jones has picked the strongest available squad including the likes of Courtney Lawes and Marcus Smith.
Welcome back Danny ๐๐น@dannycare is one of 36 players who will be part of the training camp this week ahead of facing @Barbarian_FC ๐ pic.twitter.com/0oJ194RzXq
โ England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 12, 2022
It was thought that Careโs international career was over amid a falling out with Jones, but dynamic scrum-half has propelled himself back into contention through his creativity for Quins.
The 35-year-old has provided the highest number of try assists with 17 in each of the last two Premiership seasons and has been a key figure behind the clubโs revival, which included winning the league title in 2021.
He will compete for the number nine jersey with Harry Randall and Alex Mitchell with Leicesterโs Ben Youngs unavailable and potentially missing the tour to Australia because of family reasons.
Careโs club season ended with Saturdayโs semi-final defeat by Saracens and he is joined in Englandโs squad by his fellow Quins and players from Northampton, who lost their play-off to Leicester.
17 - @dannycare has provided a league-high 17 try assists in each of his last two @premrugby campaigns; only once has a player recorded more in a single season (Willie le Roux, 21 in 2017/18), since Opta have recorded this data (since 2008/09). Supplier. pic.twitter.com/XZB1sU20S7
โ OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) June 9, 2022
Tighthead prop Will Collier returns to the fold after winning his two caps in 2017 following his revival at Twickenham Stoop, but also profiting from a back injury to Kyle Sinckler.
There is no place for Joe Marler, however, with the loosehead omitted against the Barbarians, although he could still feature on tour to Australia.
London Irishโs 19-year-old sensation Henry Arundell is present but Alfie Barbeary, Wasps back row prospect, is missing.
โThis is a strong, diverse squad. There are a lot of exciting, young players and some experienced players who have another opportunity to shine,โ Jones said.
โEveryone will be given the chance to make their case for being part of the Australia tour squad while we prepare for the Barbarians.
โThe Barbarians game at Twickenham is always a great rugby occasion and we know the fans always have a great day out, watching a really entertaining game.
โWeโre looking forward to working hard on the training pitch this week so weโre ready for a fantastic match on Sunday.โ