Three Gloucester Rugby players have been named in Steve Borthwick's first 28-player preparation camp for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

New signing Zach Mercer is included, along with highly experienced wing, Jonny May, and one of the standout performers of last season's Gallagher Premiership campaign, Val Rapava-Ruskin.

The preparing squad assembled this morning in Bagshot as Borthwick's side start to prepare for September's Rugby World Cup in France.

England begin their Summer Series on Saturday 5 August against Wales in Cardiff, before Borthwick names his 33-player Rugby World Cup squad on Monday 7 August.

Borthwick's side then face three more fixtures against Wales (12 August), Ireland (19 August) and Fiji (26 August) before travelling to France.

See more here.

28-player training squad |

Forwards

Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby)
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Zach Mercer (Montpellier Hérault Rugby)
Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)
Tom Pearson (London Irish)
Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
Jack Walker (Harlequins)

Backs

Henry Arundell (London Irish)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
Will Joseph (London Irish)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)

Meanwhile, Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers) and Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) will also attend the camp to continue their rehabilitation from injury.

Cherry & Whites trio included in first England Rugby World Cup camp

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