England boss Stuart Lancaster has sprung a few surprises in his Six Nations squad.
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Danny Cipriani has been named in the England squad to face Wales in its Six Nations opener in Cardiff on Friday.
The 27-year-old former Melbourne Rebels fly-half has not featured for England since its summer tour of New Zealand.
In a further shock, veteran Harlequins forward Nick Easter has also been named in the side.
The 36-year-old has not played for England since the 2011 World Cup, but a leg injury to Gloucester’s Ben Morgan has opened the door for Easter to add to his 47 caps.
England have been hit hard by injury, with Joe Launchbury, Owen Farrell, Tom Wood, David Wilson and Courtney Lawes all joining Morgan on the sidelines.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster says he is happy with his squad despite the number of absentees through injury.
“Everyone named is fit and ready to go and we are looking forward to finalising our preparations over the next few days,” he is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“While we have certain players unavailable through injury, it’s great to be able to welcome back guys who missed the autumn internationals, such as Dan Cole, Mako Vunipola and Tom Youngs.
“Their experience, alongside that of players like Tom Croft and Nick Easter, will be invaluable against a strong Welsh team.”
ENGLAND SQUAD:
FOWARDS
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby)
Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
Nick Easter (Harlequins)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, captain)
Henry Thomas (Bath Rugby)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
BACKS
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints)
Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
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