Joe Marchant recalled to England squad for Nations Championship, Lawes misses out

Joe Marchant is back in England contention for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Steve Borthwick included the Sale centre in a 36-man training squad named on Sunday 25 October for England's November matches in the Nations Championship.

The 30-year-old has 26 caps but has not played for England since that tournament. After the World Cup he spent two seasons with Stade Francais in the Top 14, and being based in France made him ineligible for selection. His move back to the Prem with Sale Sharks opened the door again.

Marchant has made it clear he wants to add to his caps. "I want to play for England, that's what I want to do," he said. "I'm proud to have played for England and I don't want it to be my last time at that World Cup. I want to play again."

Not every returning player from France has made the cut, though. Courtney Lawes, the former England captain who also signed for Sale after a spell in France, has not been recalled. The lock is 37.

Camp first, then back to the clubs

The squad met at Pennyhill Park on Sunday 25 October for a three-day camp. After that the players go back to their clubs for the fifth round of the Prem.

England's November programme starts against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday 8 November. They play Japan on Saturday 14 November and finish against New Zealand on Saturday 21 November. All the matches are listed on our rugby fixtures page.