England head coach Steve Borthwick reduces Rugby World Cup training squad from 38 to 36 players, as Bath loosehead prop Beno Obano and London Irish centre Will Joseph are cut; Players from Premiership finalists Saracens and Sale cannot be added until five-week rest period elapses
Last Updated: 26/06/23 9:17am
Loosehead prop Beno Obano is one of the latest players to be cut from England’s Rugby World Cup training squad
Beno Obano and Will Joseph have been cut from Steve Borthwick’s England Rugby World Cup training squad, which has yet to see Sale and Saracens players added.
The RFU confirmed a reduction in the squad from 38 to 36 players, with Bath loosehead Obano and London Irish centre Joseph the players to miss out.
It was also revealed Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola underwent a minor surgical procedure on his injured knee on Friday. The British and Irish Lions back-row will continue his rehabilitation, aiming to be available for Rugby World Cup selection in August.
Premiership finalists Saracens and Sale will have their players added to the training squad shortly, after their five-week rest period has elapsed at the end of this week.
Centre Will Joseph, who last week joined Harlequins, is also not listed in the updated 36-player squad
Second row Ollie Chessum (Leicester), hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), centre Ollie Lawrence (Bath) and hooker Jack Walker (Harlequins) remain in camp to continue their rehabilitation from inj …