Barritt returns to England fold

Brad Barritt is in the England squad for next month's internationals after missing the June Tests against the All Blacks.

The South African-born centre started the year as the preferred inside centre option but has fallen down the pecking order following a run of injuries. However, he has been in good form since the start of the Premiership season and now finds himself back in the England fold alongside Kyle Eastmond and Billy Twelvetrees. 

However, there was no place for the abrasive outside centre Manu Tuilagi, who misses out through injury.

'We have included Jonathan Joseph as an injury replacement for Manu,' said coach Stuart Lancaster. 'It is obviously disappointing to lose Manu but JJ has been in great form and deserves this chance. Our medics will continue to work closely with Leicester and ensure that Manu is supported in his rehabilitation from his injury.'

Tuliagi will miss the match against the All Blacks on 8 November, but will likely be available for the following week's clash with the Springboks.

Another player to miss out is Barritt's Saracens teammate Chris Ashton, whose place has been taken by Bath's explosive winger Semesa Rokoduguni. The uncapped winger has been rewarded for his fine early season form, where he has scored six tries in seven outings.

'The first six rounds of the Premiership and opening round of European action have given us plenty to think about as coaches with a lot of players putting their hand up for selection,' said Lancaster.

'We are still monitoring a number of players injury-wise and with another intensive round of European games to come, including the Wasps-Harlequins and Sale-Clermont games on Sunday, there are likely to be additions to the squad after the weekend as we move into the training camp and towards the games – so there is plenty to be decided before the New Zealand match comes around.

'We have four quality sides coming to Twickenham for this international series and we are really looking forward to playing at home in front of our passionate supporters as we continue the buildup to the World Cup in 12 months’ time.'

England squad – Joe Marler, Matt Mullan, Kieran Brookes, David Wilson, Dylan Hartley, Rob Webber, Dave Attwood, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Calum Clark, James Haskell, Ben Morgan, Chris Robshaw (c), Billy Vunipola, Tom Wood, Danny Care, Lee Dickson, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Stephen Myler, Brad Barritt, Luther Burrell, Kyle Eastmond, Jonathan Joseph, Billy Twelvetrees, Mike Brown, Alex Goode, Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Semesa Rokoduguni, Marland Yarde.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images