Eddie Jones: England boss speaks to Planet Rugby following Barbarians squad announcement

The squad features familiar names returning to the set-up from injury such as Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi and Anthony Watson while Henry Arundell, Fraser Dingwall and Will Joseph will bid to make a name for themselves early in their England careers.

Jones is looking forward to seeing these youngsters in camp along with the older veterans returning ahead of the Baa-baas game and the summer tour to Australia.

Particular interest was shown by the Australian in Dingwall, who has taken leaps and bounds forwards since the Saint was last with England, according to Jones.

“The squad is a mixture of some older players we haven’t seen for 12 months,” explained Jones.

“Very good players like [Mako] Vunipola, Anthony Watson, Jack Willis, Owen Farrell, Joe Cokanasiga are back in the squad.

“Then we’ve got some exciting young guys [Henry] Arundell and Will Joseph, who have been players that we’ve been following quite closely in the U20s Six Nations and then Arundell has obviously played for London Irish more frequently than Will Joseph.

“Fraser Dingwall is a young guy that’s been playing consistently well for Northampton. We’ve had him in the squad previously, but his game is really developing and he’s a smart young player, so we’re glad to give him the opportunity.”

The Barbarians game is often an enjoyable and valuable end of the season event for Jones, who is relishing the opportunity to see his young core shine.

Jones added: “It’s almost like the festival game at the end of the year, the crowd there is completely different; it’s less corporate, more family based.

“It’s a good way to finish the season, you’ve had the intensity of the Premiership final the day before and then you’ve got the fun and the levity of the Barbarians game