Former Bay of Plenty rugby player Dylan Hartley has been given an international rugby recall by England.

The recall appears to be part of new coach Eddie Jones' plan to take English rugby back to its strengths in the forwards.

Eddie, the former Wallaby coach, has only picked two players for each back position in his 33-man squad for this year's Six Nations. Boosting the number of selection options for his forward pack.

During the official squad announcement it was reported Eddie wanted to return England to where it was at its strongest.

"We want to have that real strong set-piece; dominant scrum, good lineout.

"But then we have to be able to move the ball. There are backs there capable of moving the ball. Understanding how to move the ball and where to move the ball, is what we need to learn."

Part of this thinking has meant the inclusion of Dylan, formerly from Rotorua.

Speculation since the announcement of Eddie as coach is Dylan is also being looked at as a possible captain for the upcoming series.

It's been a long time between drinks for England who haven't won the Six Nations since 2011 and only once in the last 13 years.

England Squad

Backs: Mike Brown, Alex Goode, Chris Ashton, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Marland Yarde, Elliot Daly, Ollie Devoto (injury replacement for Manu Tuilagi), Jonathan Joseph, Sam Hill (injury replacement for Henry Slade, Exeter) Owen Farrell, George Ford, Danny Care, Ben Youngs.

Forwards: Dan Cole, Paul Hill, Matt Mullan, Joe Marler, Henry Thomas (injury replacement for Kieran Brookes), Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan Dickie, Jamie George, Dylan Hartley, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Josh Beaumont, Jack Clifford, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, Matt Kvesic (injury replacement for Dave Ewers), Billy Vunipola.