Courtney Lawes to captain England in first Test against Australia

almost 2 years in The guardian

Flanker stays in role despite return of Owen FarrellDanny Care and Billy Vunipola are both set to startCourtney Lawes has been named as England’s captain for Saturday’s first Test against Australia in Perth, with Eddie Jones favouring the blindside flanker for the role rather than the returning Owen Farrell. Danny Care and Billy Vunipola have also been named to start while Henry Arundell is a surprise inclusion on the bench despite his apprentice status in the squad.Farrell comes back into the side at inside-centre for a first England appearance since November, also against the Wallabies, but Jones’ decision to stick with Lawes represents a sea change. Farrell has held the role since 2018 but in his absence this season, Tom Curry and Lawes have both filled in and Jones has opted to stick with the latter. The last time Farrell played for England without holding the captaincy was during the 2018 Six Nations but Lawes has proved a popular leader among the squad. Continue reading...

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