Te'o misses England training

Mon, Jun 6, 2016, 9:31 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Ben Te'o was a spectator at England training on Monday. Photo: Getty Images"
Ben Te'o was a spectator at England training on Monday. Photo: Getty Images"

Ben Te’o missed England training on Monday, but his fitness for the first Test is unclear.

The recent addition to the squad trained with England on Friday and Saturday before being rested for Monday’s session on “medical advice”

Assistant coach Paul Gustard, speaking on Monday evening, was confident Te’o would be expected to train on Tuesday, England’s more contact-heavy session. 

“Just on advice of the medical department (he didn’t train),” he said.

“He’s all good.”

Te’o only joined the England camp last week, becoming eligible after signing with Worcester for the upcoming Premiership season and fullback Mike Brown said he was being welcomed into the group.

The New Zealand-born Te’o could have played for Ireland if he had stayed one more season in Leinster, where he has played for the past two seasons and also had the option to come back to Australia, but decided to try and crack the England squad.

He was immediately eligible because of his English heritage and Gustard said he was settling in well.

“He’s settled in really well the first couple of days,” he said.

“The boys had a bit of fun with him last night and he’s a good character. 

“He gives us something different, adds to our attacking options.”

England fullback Mike Brown said he had been welcomed into the squad, as he still gets to know his new teammates.

“We just welcomed him into the group in our own special way, just had a bit of fun and everybody enjoyed it.

“Just a bit of fun, a bit of banter enjoyed eahc other’s company off the field.

Brown said while Te’o was new to the squad, he wasn’t exactly an unfamiliar face.

“Playing in Europe you take notice of what opposition are doing and he’s been playing really well over in Ireland,” he said.

“Being a rugby league fan as well, I know what he’s about. 

“He’s a big, physical guy, (has) good offload, handling skills. (He’s) very physical (and I’m) looking forward to training with him a bit more.”

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