Tonight’s rugby news as two added to England World Cup squad and Ellis Genge publicly hits out

Here are your rugby headlines for Sunday, August 27.

England confirm Jonny May as Anthony Watson’s replacement in World Cup

By PA Sport Staff

England have confirmed that Jonny May has replaced Anthony Watson in their squad for the World Cup. Watson has been ruled out of the tournament by a calf injury so May, who started Saturday’s defeat to Fiji, has filled the gap in the 33-man party to be submitted to World Rugby on Monday.

The only other name missing from the group originally named by Steve Borthwick on August 7 is Jack van Poortvliet whose ankle problem means he has been replaced by Alex Mitchell.

Elliot Daly and Kyle Sinckler are also present as they continue their recovery from respective knee and pectoral injuries.

England’s Ellis Genge hits out

England prop Ellis Genge has hit out at doubters in a late night tweet following their defeat to Fiji. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Genge posted: “Write us off now, all the best.”

Then, he took to social media again on Sunday to thank supporters for their support, saying: “Big congratulations to @fijirugby on a historic win. To all the @EnglandRugby fans *supporting* us, we know we’re not where we need to be at all right now. We will get there, stick with us through the dark, thanks for the love we appreciate it.”

Some social media users suggested that the use of asterisks around the word “supporter” suggested Genge was being disingenuous about England fans’ reactions to the defeat, but the player insisted in replies they were simply to stress the importance of those genuinely supporting England.