Bath second-row Charlie Ewels is out for the rest of England’s tour matches against New Zealand after receiving a red card in the game against Japan.
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The Bath forward, who copped a two-match ban for his reckless clean-out attempt on Japan’s Michael Leitch, will be replaced in Steve Borthwick’s squad by Saracens’ versatile forward Nick Isiekwe.
Ewels had barely been on the pitch for over four minutes when his initial yellow card was upgraded to a red by the bunker. This marked his first test appearance since being red-carded against Ireland in the 2022 Six Nations.
The controversial incident saw Ewels taking out Leitch’s legs from the side, leaving the officials no choice but to send him off.
Despite being down a man, England finished strong with a late try from back-row Sam Underhill, sealing an impressive 52-17 victory.
Ewels’ suspension is a bitter blow, especially after his remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury. His stellar performances for Bath, which propelled them to the Premiership final against Northampton this season, earned him a recall to the national team.
THE BEST England XV of the last 50 years has been selected
The Telegraph’s Chief rugby writer Mick Cleary, who is the finest rugby scribe in the game today, has selected a quite phenomenal England XV from the last 50 years.
The selection features players from various generations, from the games amateur roots, through professionalisation to the global sport rugby is today.
You can view his articles here. Read on to see the BEST England XV.
Fulback: Jason Robinson (2001-2007, 51 caps)
“Robinson was a menace whatever number was on his back, a bewildering opponent, a man seemingly able to sidestep in mid-air, with pace and nerve and vision, tough in the tackle, intelligent in his use of angles and selfless when it came to creating openings for teammates,” wrote Cleary.
Winger: David Duckham (1969-1976, 36 caps)
“There is still a seared image of him in the memory bank with ball tucked under his arm, back arched, legs firm, blond locks flowing, all balance and power, causing an opposition defence no end of misery.”
Outside-centre: Jeremy Guscott (1989-1999, 65 caps)
“‘The Prince of Centres,’ was how Guscott was described by Clive Woodward. And he wasn’t wrong.”
Inside centre: Will Greenwood (1997-2004, 55 caps)
“At 6ft 4ins, Greenwood had a physical presence himself but it was the judgement he brought to the field of play that marks him out,”
Winger: Rory Underwood (1984-1996, 85 caps)
“Give him the ball, point him in the direction of the try-line, sit back and applaud.”