Exeter flanker Don Armand called into England squad for tour of Argentina
Monday 29 May 2017 17:22, UK
Uncapped Exeter flanker Don Armand has been named in the England squad for next month's tour of Argentina.
Zimbabwe-born 28-year-old Armand was man of the match as the Chiefs edged Wasps after extra-time in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday.
Armand and Newcastle back-row forward Mark Wilson, who impressed from the bench in England's 28-14 victory over the Barbarians on Sunday, come into a 32-man squad that has lost Tom Wood and James Haskell from its provisional selection announced last month.
Northampton's 50-cap flanker Wood, who was sent off for stamping during Saints' European Champions Cup qualification play-off win over Stade Francais three days ago, was listed among the players unavailable for selection by the Rugby Football Union on Monday.
Wood is set to face a disciplinary hearing later this week, while Haskell was called up last weekend when Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola's was ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand due to a shoulder injury.
Sale Sharks wing Denny Solomona will be assessed on Monday after suffering a mid-foot sprain in England's recent camp in Brighton, the RFU said. Harlequins' Marland Yarde has been called up as injury cover with a decision to be made later.
Head coach Eddie Jones said on Sunday it is "pretty doubtful" that Solomona will be deemed fit enough to fly out with the squad when they depart for Buenos Aires on Saturday, June 3.
Alex Lozowski and Sam Underhill have also been retained despite going off with shoulder injuries against the Barbarians.
Auckland Blues fly-half Piers Francis, who is set to join Northampton Saints next season, will fly from New Zealand to join the group in Argentina.
The rest of the squad assembled in Teddington on Monday and Jones is targeting a series whitewash against the Pumas.
"I'm really excited about this Test series in Argentina. It is a big opportunity for this group and we are going out there to win 2-0," Jones said.
"The players who have been in camp over the last few weeks have done extremely well and the win against a Barbarians team full of top internationals yesterday is testament to the hard work they have put in.
"We are looking forward to a good week of preparation in London before we depart this weekend."
The squad in full:
Forwards: Don Armand, Will Collier, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Charlie Ewels, Ellis Genge, Dylan Hartley (captain), Nathan Hughes, Nick Isiekwe, Joe Launchbury, Matt Mullan, Chris Robshaw, Nick Schonert, Tommy Taylor, Sam Underhill, Harry Williams, Mark Wilson
Backs: Mike Brown, Danny Care, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Devoto, Nathan Earle, George Ford, Piers Francis, Sam James, Alex Lozowski, Harry Mallinder, Jack Maunder, Jonny May, Henry Slade, Denny Solomona, Marland Yarde
