Marchant recalled by Borthwick for England training camp

England recall Joe Marchant for Nations Championship training camp

The full report

Joe Marchant has been recalled to England's training squad for next month's Nations Championship, according to BBC Sport and The Guardian — Sport. The 30-year-old centre has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup, but has become available for selection again after returning to England to play for Sale Sharks. Marchant has earned 26 caps for England and has expressed his desire to continue playing for the national team.

The 36-player training camp will assemble on Sunday for a three-day camp, with England set to face Australia on 8 November, Japan on 14 November, and New Zealand on 21 November. Former England captain Courtney Lawes is also at Sale Sharks, but has not been recalled by Steve Borthwick. The squad includes forwards such as Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, and Maro Itoje, as well as backs like Noah Caluori, George Ford, and Marcus Smith.

In addition to Marchant, Will Joseph, the Gloucester centre, has also been included in the 36-man squad. Joseph has been in good form in the Gallagher Prem and will be looking to press his claim in the absence of Seb Atkinson, who is recovering from a knee injury. Atkinson is pencilled in to start against Australia at inside centre, but will join the squad at their Surrey base during the camp.

The recall of Marchant and the inclusion of Joseph in the training squad come as Steve Borthwick faces injury disruption to his midfield options. Benhard Janse van Rensburg has not played since sustaining a concussion on club duty for Bristol on 3 October.