FORMER Bournemouth School pupil Charlie Ewels has been included in the England squad for new year training.

Some 34 players will link up in Brighton on January 1 for a two-day camp at which Eddie Jones's men will begin preparations for the Six Nations, which begins in February.

Boss Jones said: “This camp is important for us to set the tone as a squad ahead of the Six Nations. We will need to improve if we are to hunt down our opponents and beat them.

"This tournament will be exciting and challenging as we know we will play against some very strong teams.

“Brighton will provide a great base to begin our preparations with players coming away with a clear plan for our opening match of the campaign against Italy.”

Bath prop Beno Obano and Newcastle Falcons flanker Gary Graham have received their first call-ups into the England squad. Northampton Saints' Courtney Lawes will miss the camp for personal reasons.

Jones's line-up for the Six Nations will be announced on Thursday, January 18 before the squad departs for a week’s training in Portugal three days later.

England have won the past two tournaments, including the Grand Slam in 2016.