Head coach Steve Borthwick and England’s World Cup aspirations have been dealt a major blow with the exclusion of a senior campaigner.
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, who has been plagued by persistent neck and shoulder issues, has been unable to overcome his injuries since hurting his ankle in January.
The 41-Test Cowan-Dickie’s contract offer at Montpellier was canceled due to doubts surrounding his fitness, leaving his career in uncertainty.
Now, the 30-year-old won’t be heading to France for the global showpiece, as Borthwick acknowledged his unavailability after announcing a 41-man training squad in preparation for the tournament.
“Despite all his incredible work and progress, Luke’s shoulder has not improved sufficiently for him to be considered for selection for the World Cup,” he said.
“We wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back playing very soon.”
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With Cowan-Dickie out, Jamie George assumes the top spot, while Jack Walker, Jamie Blamire, and promising Saracens newcomer Theo Dan vie for the back-up position.
Captain Owen Farrell was one of six Saracens players drafted into the squad as Borthwick ramps up preparations for the World Cup. Elliot Daly, Ben Earl, Jamie George, Maro Itoje and Max Malins are also included from the English champions.
Sale’s Tom Curry, George Ford, Jonny Hill, Bevan Rodd and Manu Tuilagi will also join the camp on Sunday after their mandatory rest periods following defeat to Saracens in the Premiership rugby final last month.
“We’re excited to be able to bring a full training squad together for the first time and focus on the next stage of our World Cup preparations,” said Borthwick. “I am pleased with the balance of the squad, which blends experience with youth.”
Mako and Billy Vunipola, Ollie Chessum, Ollie Lawrence and Jack Walker remain in contention despite not being in the training squad as they continue to recover from injury.
Borthwick will name his final squad of 33 players on 7 August, as England bid to go one better than 2019 when they were beaten by the Springboks in the final.
England face Wales twice, Ireland and Fiji in August before launching their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille on September 9.
England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named 41 players in his official training squad for Rugby World Cup 2023#RWC2023
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 30, 2023
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