FIVE Bath players have been named in the England squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan, which gets under way next month.

Ruaridh McConnochie is a shock inclusion, with the back yet to earn an international cap having only switched to the 15-man code from Sevens a year ago.

Wings Joe Cokanasiga and Anthony Watson are also selected in England head coach Eddie Jones’ 31-man squad, as are centre Jonathan Joseph and flanker Sam Underhill.

Speaking after announcing his squad on Monday, Jones said: “Today is another step in the progress towards the Rugby World Cup.

"We have taken the decision to go early because of what we learned from previous campaigns.

"We want the squad to know early and now we can get on and be the best prepared England side there has ever been, ready to win the World Cup.

"A lot of good players have missed out. We feel for them.

"But as we know, the World Cup is an incredible tournament where opportunities can present themselves and all those players who have missed out have been told they have to be ready.”

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on September 22, with further pool games against USA, Argentina and France.