Harlequins back row Dombrandt has flown out to Italy to join the England Rugby World Cup training squad following Brad Shields’ foot injury.

Shields has returned to England for further assessment on the extend of his injury, whilst Quins’ Dombrandt replaces the Wasps flanker at the training camp in Treviso.

What a year it’s been for rising star Dombrandt who graduated from Cardiff Met last Summer and has continually impressed during his debut season at the London club.

Within his first year as a professional player, Dombrandt has earned the title of Harlequins’ Players Player of the Season and adidas Supporters Player of the Season at the Club’s 2018/19 end of season awards. Last month, he also took away Man of the Match in his first time wearing the Red Rose against Babarians at Twickenham.

We’re enjoying following his journey and staying hopefully he will make it into England’s official Rugby World Cup Squad, which Eddie Jones is set to announce following England’s sold-out ‘warm-up’ match against Wales on 17th August at Principality Stadium.

Well done, Alex! We’re rooting for you!