Former Sharks and Stormers forward Michael Rhodes has been included in a 44-man England pre-season training squad.

The squad also sees a return for winger Chris Ashton, with England coach Eddie Jones aiming to look at a number of different players as preparation continues for the 2019 World Cup.

Rhodes is one of those players who has received a call-up, after the 30-year-old Saracens star recently qualified to play for England on residency grounds.

Jones said a number of players rested for the tour to South Africa were not considered for this camp.

‘This is a pre-season camp so a lot of our players, particularly the ones who went on the South African tour, have just started training with their clubs, so it’s just a chance to get a group of players together to have a chat about the season ahead and look at the important areas in developing the team.

‘With just over 12 months until the World Cup, it is an important time.’

England squad:

Backs: Chris Ashton, Mike Brown, Danny Cipriani, Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Nathan Earle, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Piers Francis, Gabriel Ibitoye, Alex Lozowski, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Jordan Olowofela, Dan Robson, Henry Slade, Ben Spencer, Ben Te’o, Ben Youngs.

Forwards: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Jamie George, Dylan Hartley, James Haskell, Alec Hepburn, Paul Hill, Nathan Hughes, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Joel Kpoku, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler, Michael Rhodes, Chris Robshaw, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Jack Singleton, Will Spencer, Elliott Stooke, Sam Underhill, Mako Vunipola, Harry Williams, Mark Wilson.

Photo: Stephen Pond/Getty Images