London: Eddie Jones has included eight uncapped players in his 35-man squad for next month’s Six Nations opener in Italy as he seeks to cover a number of injury absences while also continuing to build towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Forwards Lewis Boyce, Tom Dunn, Gary Graham, Alec Hepburn and Zach Mercer, along with backs Nathan Earle, Harry Mallinder and Marcus Smith, are the men hoping to make their debuts.
Jones, who on Wednesday extended his England contract until 2021, promoted 20-year-old Mercer to full player status after the Bath back-rower was previously involved as an apprentice. Harlequins fly-half Smith retains his “apprentice” status.
