George Ford cut from England’s 25-man training squad for Ireland match

Eddie Jones has made eight changes to his 25-man squad and has dispensed with more than 200 England Test caps for next week’s Six Nations game against Ireland.

The most noticeable absentee is George Ford who has seen his hold on the No 10 jersey wrenched from his grasp by Marcus Smith. Ford, who will be leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season for a move to Sale Sharks, had recently found his way back in the England fold but played only 22 minutes against Scotland and Italy and was an unused substitute in the win over Wales. Elliot Daly is the other surprise omission in the backline given he has started two of England’s matches at 13 this campaign.

In their place comes the uncapped London Irish wing Ollie Hassell-Collins and Northampton’s George Furbank, who can cover both 10 and 15 off the bench.

The forward pack sees a raft of changes with an entirely new front row set. Luke Cowan-Dickie’s selection was unlikely after a knee injury he sustained against Wales. He’s been replaced by Newcastle’s Jamie Blamire. Props Joe Marler and Bevan Rodd also miss out. The uncapped duo of William Goodrick-Clarke and Alfie Barbeary will, if given the chance, provide evidence of England’s front-row reserves against a formidable Irish pack.

At 30 years old and with 69 appearances for his country, Joe Launchbury could play in his first Test since December 2020. The Wasps second-rower injured his knee last April which ruled him out of contention for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. But he’s registered 281 minutes from four Premiership starts for his club since January. His return to fitness and form means the 21-year-old Ollie Chessum misses out.

Gloucester’s Lewis Ludlow is the final addition to the squad. He