Billy Vunipola and Ollie Lawrence return to England training squad as World Cup preparations continue

England have four warm-up Tests before the serious business begins against Argentina in France on September 9

Billy Vunipola has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury

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Nick Purewal23 July 2023

Billy Vunipola and Ollie Lawrence have handed England a double injury boost by returning to the World Cup training squad.

Powerful No 8 Vunipola has battled knee trouble since April and underwent a minor procedure to solve the issue, but now the 30-year-old will start modified training with England.

Saracens star Vunipola will bid to prove his fitness in time for England’s World Cup warm-up matches in August, as he aims to be back in action on the schedule predicted by both club and country.

Bath centre Lawrence has overcome his own knee complaint and will now further swell head coach Steve Borthwick’s main World Cup training squad ranks.

Both Vunipola and Lawrence had been rehabbing while connected to the England camp, but their return to the main training action represents a clear shot in the arm for Borthwick’s men.

England will want both power options available for their four August warm-up Tests, before their World Cup campaign gets underway against Argentina in France on September 9.

Harlequins wing Cadan Murley has been released from the England squad meanwhile, with Sale prop Bevan Rodd returning to the set-up to replace the released Gloucester front-rower Val Rapava Ruskin.

Leicester lock Ollie Chessum and Harlequins hooker Jack Walker will continue their injury rehab in the England camp, while Mako Vunipola will spend next week with Saracens.

England updated 40-man World Cup training squad

Forwards: J Blamire (Newcastle), D Cole (Leicester), T Curry (Sale), T Dan (Saracens), A Dombrandt (Harlequins), B Earl (Saracens), E Genge (Bristol), J George (Saracens), J Hill (Sale), M Itoje (Saracens), C Lawes, L Ludlam (both Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), G Martin (Leicester), T Pearson (Northampton), D Ribbans (Toulon), B Rodd (Sale), K Sinckler (Bristol), W Stuart (Bath), B Vunipola (Saracens), J Willis (Toulouse), T Willis (Saracens).

Backs: H Arundell (Racing 92), D Care (Harlequins), J Cokanasiga (Bath), E Daly, O Farrell (both Saracens), G Ford (Sale), O Lawrence (Bath), M Malins (Bristol), J Marchant (Stade Francais), J May (Gloucester), H Slade (Exeter), M Smith (Harlequins), F Steward (Leicester), M Tuilagi (Sale), J Van Poortvliet (Leicester), A Watson (unattached), B Youngs (Leicester).