June 22: England v Japan, 12pm in Tokyo
July 6: England v All Blacks, 7:05pm in Dunedin
July 13: England v All Blacks, 7:05pm in Auckland
England have been dealt an injury blow for next month’s All Blacks tests after losing key playmaker George Ford to an Achilles problem.
The 31-year-old was not selected in England’s squad announced on Tuesday ahead of their tour of Japan and New Zealand.
Marcus Smith Poised to Step Up in Ford’s Absence
In the absence of Ford, who has played 96 tests, Marcus Smith is poised to start at first five-eighth in Steve Borthwick’s side. Their only other specialist No 10 in the squad is rookie Fin Smith.
Talismanic Tom Curry Returns
An unexpected inclusion was the return of talismanic loose forward Tom Curry, who has played less than 40 minutes of rugby since last year’s World Cup because of a hip injury.
Six Uncapped Players Named in Squad
Borthwick named six uncapped players in their 36-man squad – prop Fin Baxter, centre Luke Northmore, outside backs Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Ollie Sleightholme and hooker Gabriel Oghre – after their domestic season finished last weekend with Northampton beating Bath in the Premiership final.
Ethan Roots Leads the Forwards
Ethan Roots, a former Māori All Black, has been selected among their forwards, with experienced hooker Jamie George assuming the role of skipper.
England’s Tour Schedule Unveiled
Kicking off their tour, England will face off against a Japan team, led by their former coach Eddie Jones, in a Tokyo test on June 22nd.
In their first tour of New Zealand since their 2014 series loss, England will engage in two tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland over the following fortnight.
Scott Robertson to Debut as All Blacks Coach
Scott Robertson will debut as the All Blacks coach during the Dunedin test.
A Clash of Rugby Titans
After securing third place at the previous year’s World Cup by defeating Argentina in the bronze final, England will face off against the All Blacks, who were runners-up to South Africa.
They were third in this year’s Six Nations behind Ireland and France, denying the Irish a grand slam after a dramatic 23-22 win at Twickenham in March.
Rare Encounters Between All Blacks and England
Tests between the All Blacks and England have been scarce of late. Their last clash was in 2022, a 25-25 draw at Twickenham, after the 2019 World Cup semifinal in Japan when England won 19-7.
ENGLAND SQUAD.
Forwards. Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Jamie George (capt), Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, George Martin, Gabriel Oghre, Bevan Rodd, Ethan Roots, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill.
Backs. Joe Carpenter, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Luke Northmore, Harry Randall, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward.
The All Blacks squad will be announced after the Super Rugby season finishes.
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