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28th February 2023
11:59am GMT

“Reduced fallow week squad numbers, injuries and our wish for some players to have valuable game time minutes with their clubs," explained Borthwick, "means that the squad gathered in Brighton has a slightly different feel to it. We are very pleased to welcome back Jonny May."
“All the players are desperate to play. That is a testament to them. I said this a few times, we are trying to build a squad of players that is always working towards the team being at the forefront helping the team to prepare. “Sometimes your role is to start, sometimes your role is to come off the bench, sometimes your role is to support the team as 24th and 25th man. I asked the players whatever their role is to do it with everything they can to help this team improve.”Borthwick is a fan of Ford and his game, with the pair guiding Tigers to the Premiership title last season. Ford's ability to play the kick-pressure game-plan that Borthwick implements in his sides is likely to have been a key factor in the decision to retain the 29-year-old ahead of Smith. This week is a break in the Six Nations, with Smith set to return for Harlequins for their rearranged ‘Big Game’ against Exeter, which ironically will be played at Twickenham. Meanwhile, England's next Six Nations clash is Le Crunch against France at the same ground on March 11. WATCH RUGBYJOE's SIX NATIONS CORNER: Related Articles.
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