England coach Steve Borthwick has revealed his 36-man squad for the tour of Japan and New Zealand, which includes Sale flanker Tom Curry as well as seven players from the champion Northampton Saints.
Due to a severe hip injury, Curry has barely played slightly more than 30 minutes of rugby since the Rugby World Cup last year.
Uncapped wing Ollie Sleightholme, who scored a try in the Premiership final victory over Bath, is part of the Saints team.
Before playing the All Blacks in Tests on July 6 and 13, England takes on Japan on June 22.
“The Summer Series presents a valuable opportunity for the continued development of this squad and is a demanding challenge to conclude the season,” Borthwick stated.
We will be tested both on and off the field due to the two opponents’ different rugby styles, the shifting weather, and the playing conditions.”
Sleightholme is one of six uncapped players in the group, which also includes Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre, the Harlequins’ prop Fin Baxter and center Luke Northmore, and Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck from Sale.
“For some of the younger players it will be their first time touring abroad with England,” said Borthwick.
“Travelling together is a great way to build closer bonds and provides an important opportunity for new players to settle into our environment.”
