FIVE Bath players have been included in Eddie Jones’ 45-man elite player squad ahead of England’s Autumn International series.

Charlie Ewels, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Semesa Rokoduguni and Anthony Watson have all been named in the squad announced this morning.

Ford, Joseph, Rokoduguni and Watson will also be part a three-day training camp in Brighton as England begin their preparation for games against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia later in the year.

The 37 players will train at Brighton College from 2-4 October ahead of the opening game in the series against South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, November 12.

“The series will be a big challenge and the players will need to step up to the mark,” said England head coach Jones.

“With a number of players missing through injury it’s a good opportunity for others to put their hands up and show us what they’re made of.

“I think it’s a good situation to be in. Injuries allow us to strengthen the depth of our squad and develop robustness. Ideally, by the Rugby World Cup in 2019, we’re looking to have three players in every position who are interchangeable.

“At the moment we have seven of our most influential players not playing regularly for their clubs, but that should be no excuse. England have not beaten South Africa since 2006 and this needs to change.”