Chiefs star Nowell to start against Italy

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell has been named in Eddie Jones’ squad to travel to Rome for England’s Six Nations match against Italy on Sunday 14 February at the Stadio Olimpico (2pm, ITV).

The squad also includes Saracens forward Maro Itoje and Sale No 8 Josh Beaumont while Wasps centre Elliot Daly and Gloucester openside Matt Kvesic have been released back to their clubs.

Jones said that there may well be changes for the Italy game. “We’ll pick the best 23 to play against Italy and the conditions in Italy will be different, so the squad will be slightly different,” he said.

“The playing conditions will be considerably different. They will be warmer, a faster pitch, different referee so I am anticipating we will be able to get our attack going a lot quicker than we did against Scotland.

“I’ve said it’s going to be a faster game so we could pick a faster pack.”

The following 25 players have been retained:

Forwards (15)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Josh Beaumont (Sale Sharks)

Backs (10)

Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).