Randall sets sights on series win down under

Eddie Jones’ preparations for England’s match with the Barbarians next weekend and July’s tour of Australia are well underway as his 35-man squad began their three-day training camp in London this week.

With players participating in the Gallagher Premiership semi-finals ruled out of selection for this camp, Jones will be hoping fresh faces added to the setup will adjust to their new surroundings as quickly as possible.

England's recent history with Australia will give them confidence having won nine out of the last ten encounters with the Wallabies.

There is also the experience of England's latest tour to Australia where they secured their first ever series win with a 3-0 clean sweep of the men in gold.

However, Jones' squad cannot afford to underestimate the size of the task ahead as despite earning a series win on their last tour, England's overall record down under stands at five wins from 19 Test matches.

Randall, who featured in his debut Guinness Six Nations campaign earlier this year, emphasised the importance of settling in quickly and believes his teammates’ experience of the 2016 tour of Australia will be invaluable to the current crop of players if they are to be successful.

“Everyone’s striving to put their best foot forward and I think it’s massive motivation seeing what the team did out there in 2016 and we want to go out there and do the same thing,” said Randall.

“What an experience it will be going to Australia and playing three test matches out there so it’s a massive target for everyone here. The 2016 tour was very successful so it’s just about some of those boys relaying back what it took to be successful out there and what it’s going to take again. It’s good to have some of that experience around the squad relaying it to us lads.”

Randall has recent experience in entering the England setup for the first time and believes that the welcoming environment and nurturing from experienced players will help the new additions settle in as he has.

“It’s a credit to the squad that everyone gets behind those new guys coming in,” said Randall. “Everyone makes sure they’re feeling welcome, making sure they’re up to scratch with things they need to know around the camp both on and off the field. We’re building that togetherness now that no matter who is in camp we get behind each together and getting to grips with everyone and everything as quick as possible.”

“It was a big moment getting called up to my first England squad. You go in there with the mindset of just doing the best you can. Ben Youngs helped me massively in my time as I’ve come through. His experience is massive to me and helping me learn things and he was a massive help to me coming into this environment.

“We’re in an environment where we want the team to do as best as possible so whether you’re starting on the bench or not involved, you’ve got to do whatever you can to help the team be in the best possible position to win on the weekend. You’ve got to get behind your mates and help them put their best foot forward as well.”