Steve Borthwick has cut one of England’s most influential players at Japan 2019, as the head coach narrows down his final squad for the Rugby World Cup in France.
Sam Underhill, a starter in the last World Cup final, was on Monday dropped from the England training squad for this year’s competition, which kicks off in September.
The 26-year-old flanker was one of two players let go as Borthwick trimmed his group from 41. The remaining 39 assembled at England’s training base in Bagshot on Monday.
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Underhill, who plays for Bath, was one of the stars as England throttled the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-final in Yokohama, in October 2019. He then played the entire match as England were in turn outmuscled by the Springboks in the final.
The other player cut was 22-year-old Sale prop forward Bevan Rodd, who has won two caps. The 21 forwards in the squad include 33-year-old Harlequins prop Joe Marler, who last played for England 18 months ago.
Borthwick is due to announce his tournament squad on 7 August.
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