Two OBs have been named in the England squad for this summer’s tour of Australia. Northampton Saints players, Fraser Dingwall (13-17) and George Furbank (13-15), have been selected for Eddie Jones’ 36-man side. The squad travelled to Australia last Wednesday, for a ten-day training camp, ahead of their first game against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday, July 2 (11am BST kick-off). Following the opening fixture, England will take on the Wallabies in Brisbane (Saturday, July 9, 11am BST kick-off) and Sydney (Saturday, July 16, 11am BST kick-off).
England last toured Australia in 2016, when Jones’ side won all three Test matches. It was the first 3-0 series win by a touring side in Australia since South Africa in 1971.
Head coach, Eddie Jones said (as quoted in the England Rugby website): “This squad is a real mix of young, talented players and some very experienced, senior players and we’re looking forward to bringing the group together.
“This tour will be a great experience for the group and a crucial part of the team’s work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
“We will continue to develop the base of the squad and how we want to play.
“We’ve put a lot of work into preparation for the tour over the past few weeks but now the hard work really begins when we finally get the squad on the plane and to Australia.”
Mr James Hinkins, Director of Rugby said: “We are very excited for both George and Fraser. They had such a positive influence on Bedford School Rugby both on and off the pitch, and it’s great to now see them both recognised at the very elite playing level. All of Bedford School Rugby Club wish them the very best and hope they have a truly wonderful experience. For Fraser’s sake, I hope there are fewer coach journeys than he had to endure on the 2016 rugby Tour of Canada!”