What will Eddie's "Last Chapter" bring?

The announcement of England’s 45-strong training squad this week was as notable for its high profile omissions as it was for who was included.

Leaving out the previously untouchable George Ford,  Jamie George and the Vunipola boys sent out a stark message not only to those players omitted but also to the wider squad – that, finally, no one can just assume they will be selected, irrespective of form.

I say “finally” because since the World Cup in 2019 a number of players appear to have been repeatedly picked for England no matter how poorly they have played.

Of the players left out, Ford can probably count himself the unluckiest. Not selected for the Lions and then “rested” by Eddie Jones over the summer, he has had little opportunity to put his best foot forward but has nevertheless started the season in fine form, leading Leicester to victory over Exeter in the opening Premiership fixture last weekend. Overtaken, probably deservedly, by Marcus Smith in the pecking order, he is probably more a victim of Eddie’s desire to retain Owen Farrell’s services.

Ford, I suspect, will be back – as will Jamie George who I am sure, once he returns to Premiership action, will make his case for re-inclusion. 

As for the Vunipolas, I would say it is Billy who has the most to prove. With a run of games under his belt Mako, I feel, will be difficult to ignore, notwithstanding the fact that, in Joe Marler and Ellis Genge, England have a pair of high class loose heads. Such has been the drop off in Billy Vunipola’s form and standing, however, that it could prove a long way back for him. He is young enough, but he is going to have to start showing that he can dominate Premiership games again and add real value to this England squad if he is going to make it back in.

All of which leads to Eddie Jones, who has confirmed that the next two years through to Rugby World Cup 2023 will be his “Last Chapter” for England. I can’t help feeling that, by making the announcement now, he is doing himself few favours. Yes it was pretty obvious that he would not continue beyond the World Cup, but I have never been a fan of announcing such things publicly in advance. 

It is a sideshow that, frankly, neither Eddie Jones nor his team need right now.

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was