James Horwill recalled to Australia squad ahead of Test series against England

26 May 2016 06:53

Harlequins second-rower James Horwill has earned a surprise recall to the Australia squad for next month's Test series with England.

Former captain Horwill was omitted from the World Cup squad but has impressed this season at the Twickenham Stoop.

There is also a surprise call-up for Bath back-row forward Leroy Houston 11 years after he was first included in an Australia squad.

The 29-year-old has a year remaining on his contract at the Rec but is expected to return to Super 15 with the Queensland Reds.

Bordeaux prop Sekope Kepu and winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, who left Glasgow at the end of the season to return home to Australia with the Waratahs, have also been given the nod by Michael Cheika as four overseas-based players were named in the 39-man party.

Uncapped scrum-half Joe Powell is the biggest surprise inclusion in the squad, while there are also first-time call-ups for rugby league converts Karmichael Hunt and Eto Nabuli.

Veterans Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell are all absent from the squad through being rested or injured.

Australia will host three Tests against Eddie Jones' England side starting in Brisbane on June 11.

Squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Adam Coleman, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Nick Frisby, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Mike Harris, Dane Haylett-Petty, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Leroy Houston, Karmichael Hunt, Sekope Kepu, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Stephen Moore, Luke Morahan, Dean Mumm, Eto Nabuli, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Joe Powell, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Toby Smith.

Source: PA