Giant SA-born lock named in England squad ahead of All Black, Springbok Tests

South African born-lock David Ribbans has been included in England's 36-man squad for their November Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Ribbans, 27, is one of  six uncapped players in the England squad. The others are lock Alex Coles, hooker George McGuigan, prop Val Rapava Ruskin, lock Hugh Tizard and winger Cadan Murley.

Ribbans, who stands 2.02m and weighs 116 kg, was on Western Province's books between 2014 and 2016. The Somerset West-born second-rower joined Northampton Saints in 2017.

Elsewhere, experienced flyhalf/fullback Henry Slade has been left out of the England squad in a surprise decision by Jones.

Slade missed the tour to Australia in July because of shoulder surgery but has been in action for his club, Exeter Chiefs, of late.

Will Joseph, Guy Porter, Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell are the recognised centres named in the group. Prop Kyle Sinckler is also back, having sat out the 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies because of a back issue.

"This is a very strong, vibrant squad and a number of good players have been left out," Jones said in a statement on Monday. "We are pleased with the depth and the strength of the squad.

"The autumn internationals will be like a mini World Cup for us, starting with two tough games against Argentina and Japan which mirrors our pool fixtures at next year's tournament.

"Then we'll have knock-out type games against New Zealand and South Africa - all four games will be great tests for us."

England squad:

Forwards: Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Tom Curry (Sale), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Jonny Hill (Sale), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton), George McGuigan (Newcastle),