Danny Cipriani named in England’s 30-man squad for New Zealand tour

Danny Cipriani is back in the England picture after head coach Stuart Lancaster named the Sale Sharks star in his squad for the tour of New Zealand this summer.

The 26-year-old returns to the England set-up after making his last Red Rose appearance six years ago, whilst Worcester full-back Chris Pennell is one of seven uncapped players in the initial 30-man squad to face the Baa Baas and All Blacks.

England face the world champions in the first Test in Auckland on 7 June – and Red Rose supremo Lancaster confirmed George Ford and Anthony Allen miss out on selection due to their recent injury setbacks.

Lancaster said: “We are excited about the squad we are taking to New Zealand and, while there continues to be challenges in selection, we will be well and truly ready for the 1st Test. It has a been good few days training and great to be able to work with a larger group of players in the lead up to the Barbarians game and the tour.

“With the Barbarians game and the Aviva Premiership final to come we will make our final selection once we know the availability of all players. This group will fly out on the Monday following the Barbarians game.

“As is often the case there are some players unavailable through injury and it is a shame that recently both George Ford (Bath Rugby) and Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers) have had to withdraw due to shoulder and knee injuries sustained towards the end of the season

“Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby) is being treated for a hamstring injury and will continue his recovery in England before a final decision is made on whether he will join us in New Zealand on the Monday flight post Aviva final and Barbarians game.”

England squad flying to New Zealand

Loose-head props

Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Joe Gray (Harlequins), Dave Ward (Harlequins), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers), Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers), James Haskell (London Wasps), Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Freddie Burns (Leicester Tigers), Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Henry Trinder (Gloucester Rugby), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Marland Yarde (London Irish), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Chris Pennell (Worcester Warriors)