Nine Saracens have been retained by England boss Stuart Lancaster to continue preparations for this autumn’s Rugby World Cup in the USA.

Lancaster has named a travelling party of 45 players who will tomorrow (Saturday) fly out to Denver as the Red Rose step up their preparations for the tournament in England in September.

Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Alex Goode, George Kruis, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola and Richard Wigglesworth have all been included in the training squad.

However, Maro Itoje – who captained the Men in Black to LV=Cup success in the spring – will be returning to Allianz Park after being released by England.

Head coach Lancaster said of the decision to release the promising lock and Wasps’ Elliot Daly: “Elliot and Maro have fitted in and trained well and it’s been great for them to be in this environment.

“They are both young players who have bright futures. They have made a great impression and I am sure other opportunities will come for both of them further down the line.”

David Strettle, who is bound for Clermont for next season, pulled out earlier in the summer in order to concentrate on his move to France.