South African in England’s official squad

A Cape Town-born lock, who played for Western Province, has been included in England’s 33-man playing group for the Rugby World Cup in France.

FULL LISTS: All the World Cup squads, All Blacks reveal their hand

SOUTH AFRICAN ONE OF ENGLAND’S RUGBY WORLD CUP DEBUTANTS

The 27-year-old David Ribbons, who moved on from Western Province to English club the Northampton Saints in 2017, is one of the surprise selections by new coach Steve Borthwick.

Theo Dan is included having won his first cap against Wales on Saturday in Cardiff, whilst 20-year old wing Henry Arundell is the youngest member of the squad.

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LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE AT THE ORDER OF THE DAY

Owen Farrell will captain England in his third Rugby World Cup with Ellis Genge and Courtney Lawes named as vice captains.

The squad is made up of 19 forwards and 14 backs, totals over 1,400 England appearances, with an average age of 27. A total of 17 players have previous World Cup experience.

Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, and Lawes will compete in their fourth World Cup. Youngs is England men’s most capped player with 122 appearances.

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THE SHOCK OMISSIONS

Unfortunately, there was no place in the squad for Henry Slade, Joe Cokanasiga or Tom Willis.

“There have been a number of very difficult selection decisions to make, given the quality of our wider training squad. Some very good players have missed out on selection such has been the competition for places over the last eight weeks and more of preparation.

“We believe that announcing the squad a little earlier than otherwise might have been the case, brings a clarity and certainty to the group, allowing the players as much time as possible to settle and develop as a squad.”

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MORE RUGBY WORLD CUP PREPARATION TO COME

England face Wales (12 August), Ireland (19 August) and Fiji (26 August) in the Summer Nations Series before the Rugby World Cup starts.  

“We look forward to welcoming Wales to Twickenham this weekend. There can be no doubt that it will be another hard-fought encounter in front of our home support.”

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