Back in action?

Joe Marler could make a return to international rugby for this year’s World Cup in Japan after he was named in the England elite player squad (EPS) for the summer, according to a report in The Times.

Marler retired from international rugby back in September of last year, but has refused to rule out a return to the Test fold should Eddie Jones pick up the phone ahead of this year’s showpiece event in Japan.

The EPS squad is not always exactly the same as the squads that he picks to play for or train with England – but the fact that Marler is listed indicates he has spoken to Jones about making himself available.

With first-choice loosehead Mako Vunipola currently struggling with injury, a Marler return would be seen as a huge boost for England.