England name all-Champions Cup squad for Rugby World Cup

England have named their 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and it comprises entirely of players set to feature in next season’s Champions Cup.

Saracens, who are three-time winners of EPCR’s elite competition, boast the most representatives, with seven heading to the tournament with England.

Hookers Theo Dan and Jamie George, lock Maro Itoje, flanker Ben Earl, No.8 Billy Vunipola, fly-half Owen Farrell and full-back Elliot Daly are all included by head coach Steve Borthwick.

There is also a large contingent from two-time winners Leicester Tigers, with prop Dan Cole, locks Ollie Chessum and George Martin, scrum-halves Jack van Poortvliet and Ben Youngs, and full-back Freddie Steward called up.

Prop Bevan Rodd, flanker Tom Curry, fly-half George Ford and centre Manu Tuilagi are the Sale Sharks representatives, while Harlequins see prop Joe Marler, hooker Jack Walker, scrum-half Danny Care and fly-half Marcus Smith named.

Props Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler along with wing Max Malins are flying the flag for Bristol Bears, who return to the Champions Cup for the 2023/24 season.

Bath Rugby are also back in the Champions Cup next season – they see two of their players head to France for the World Cup, in prop Will Stuart and centre Ollie Lawrence.

There are two Northampton Saints stars set to feature in lock Courtney Lawes and flanker Lewis Ludlam.

Four players set to grace the Champions Cup with TOP 14 sides next season are included – RC Toulon lock David Ribbans, Stade Toulousain flanker Jack Willis, Racing 92 wing Henry Arundell and Stade Francais Paris wing Joe Marchant.

Wing Anthony Watson left Leicester at the end of last season and is yet to sign with a new club, but is likely to join up with a Champions Cup outfit and will be looking to showcase his talent on the Rugby World Cup stage.