England Rugby head coach Steve Borthwick announced England’s 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 

Unlike many team announcements that have gone before, this weekend’s announcement had several notable absentees and bolters. 

Headlining those who didn’t make the initial cut were veteran utility back Henry Slade and No. 8 Alex Dombrandt. 

Having played in the last two World Cups and been a stalwart in Borthwick’s plans to date, Slade’s omission was rather stark. Such was the shock of the decision.

If Slade’s omission came from left field, then the inclusion of Saracens hooker Theo Dan came from another postcode, with the 22-year-old making his debut Saturday. 

Just where Dan will slot in remains to be seen, with his clubmate Jamie George the perceived backup, and 27-year-old Harlequins player Jack Walker, his deputy. Yet, given his form last season, it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could leapfrog the two by the time England face Argentina on Sept. 9. 

England Rugby World Cup Squad

Forwards

Ollie Chessum (Leicester)
Dan Cole (Leicester)
Tom Curry (Sale)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Ellis Genge (Bristol)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
George Martin (Leicester)
David Ribbans (Toulon)
Bevan Rodd (Sale)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol)
Will Stuart (Bath)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Harlequins)
Jack Willis (Toulouse)

Backs

Henry Arundell (Racing 92)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Elliot Daly (Saracens)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Sale)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
Max Malins (Bristol)
Joe Marchant (Stade Francais)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Freddie Steward (Leicester)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale), Jack van