Joe Marchant recalled as England name 36-player training squad

Joe Marchant has returned to England’s international set-up after Steve Borthwick included the Sale centre in a 36-player training squad announced on Sunday. Will Joseph is also recalled as England assemble at Pennyhill Park for a camp running until Tuesday. BBC Sport’s published squad list confirms both centres are among 16 backs selected alongside 20 forwards.

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Marchant has not played for England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, according to Harry Latham-Coyle’s report carried by Yahoo Sports. His move to Stade Francais took him out of contention, but joining Sale in the summer restored his eligibility. Gloucester’s Joseph is seeking another international appearance after making his England debut during the 2022 tour of Australia.

The midfield selections come with injury concerns affecting other options. Benhard Janse van Rensburg is absent following a head injury sustained while playing for Bristol, while Seb Atkinson will attend camp for rehabilitation rather than as part of the main training group. Flanker Guy Pepper and winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will also continue rehabilitation with England. Their involvement in the autumn matches remains dependent on fitness; attendance at camp does not confirm their availability to play.

There are opportunities elsewhere in Borthwick’s selection. RUCK reported that uncapped Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland is included after previously representing England A. He joins club colleague Alex Mitchell and Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet among the scrum-halves. Bath hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu also makes the group, while Theo Dan is omitted. Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie are the other hookers named.

Tom Pearson returns among the forwards, and Bath centre Max Ojomoh is also recalled. The squad includes experienced internationals Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge and George Ford, as well as fly-halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith. Noah Caluori retains a place in the backs after an injury-limited start to his club season; RUCK reported that he scored on his England debut against Fiji during the summer.

England’s November Nations Championship programme begins against Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on 8 November, followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand. The players are due to return to their clubs on Tuesday for another round of domestic fixtures, according to the report carried by Yahoo Sports. This announcement establishes the training group, rather than a matchday selection for Australia.