Exeter Chiefs star Henry Slade has been left out of England’s squad for the Rugby World Cup in an unexpected selection twist. Slade, 30, who has been a regular in the midfield for the past six years, has been overlooked for the 33-man group, much to the surprise of fans and pundits. Instead, Joe Marchant from Harlequins has been chosen to join the squad, largely due to his versatility in covering both the wing and centre positions.
Since his debut in 2015, Slade has amassed 56 caps for England and was considered one of the team’s most established backs heading into the World Cup. However, head coach Steve Borthwick has opted to go with Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence, Elliot Daly, and captain Owen Farrell as his centre options. Borthwick explained that Rugby World Cups present unique challenges in terms of squad selection, and he is confident that the chosen 33-man squad is well-equipped to meet these challenges and perform competitively in the tournament.
The exclusion of Slade is not the only surprise in the squad announcement. Gloucester winger Jonny May and Bath powerhouse Joe Cokanasiga, both of whom played in the World Cup four years ago, have also missed out. May, who is England’s second-highest try-scorer in men’s rugby, has struggled to regain his top form in the past 18 months. Another notable omission is Alex Dombrandt from Harlequins, leaving Billy Vunipola as the only specialist number eight in the squad. Vunipola, despite not having played since April due to knee surgeries, has been chosen based on his previous form and experience.
Borthwick acknowledged the difficulty in making selection decisions, given the quality of the wider training squad and the fierce competition for places. He emphasized the need for flexibility and the limited number of spots available in the squad. With the inclusion of versatile back five forwards such as Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl, and Tom Curry, Borthwick believes the selected squad is ready to face the challenges of the upcoming tournament.
The England squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is a mix of experienced players and promising talents. The forwards include the likes of Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, and Jamie George, while the backs consist of renowned names such as Owen Farrell, George Ford, and Anthony Watson. Headlined by these key players, England will aim to make a strong impression in the highly anticipated tournament.
As the news of Slade’s exclusion spreads, fans and experts continue to speculate about the reasoning behind the decision. The unexpected twist in the selection has sparked discussions about the squad’s overall strategy and potential playing combinations. Despite the surprise, supporters remain hopeful that England’s chosen squad will perform at their best and make their mark on the Rugby World Cup stage.
In conclusion, Henry Slade’s omission from England’s Rugby World Cup squad has raised eyebrows and stirred conversation among fans. The unexpected selection twist, influenced by the versatility of other players, has left Exeter Chiefs without representation in the national team for the upcoming tournament. Nonetheless, England’s chosen 33-man squad presents a formidable lineup, balancing experience with emerging talents, and is expected to compete fiercely in France 2023.
