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The 19 biggest selection casualties from England's Six Nations squad
Though the World Cup ended under three months ago, there has been quite an overhaul by Steve Borthwick ahead of this year’s Guinness Six Nations.
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Over half the squad he named on Wednesday did not go to France, as the head coach has started to build for the future.
Some of these changes he would not have wanted- some players have retired, others are injured and others have moved abroad, but his 36-player squad has a new feel to it.
Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May have since retired from international rugby, while captain Owen Farrell has stepped down for the time being, but here are the casualties from the World Cup squad:
Prop – Bevan Rodd
The Sale Sharks loosehead has been out with a toe injury since November, which started a mini propping crisis for England in the No1 jersey with Ellis Genge also nursing a hamstring injury (although included in the squad) and Mako Vunipola announcing his international retirement.
Prop – Kyle Sinckler
“Do I think Kyle Sinckler will be back in the squad at some point in the future? I’m pretty sure he will be and I sense a determination from him to go after the aspects we discussed.” Those were Borthwick’s words after omitting the 68-cap England tighthead, who has suffered from a niggling injury as well as a drop in form.
Hooker – Jack Walker
An omission that is not necessarily a reflection on Walker’s form, but the return of Luke Cowan-Dickie from a neck injury has just shunted him down the pecking order.
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Lock – David Ribbans
Infrequently used by Borthwick at the World Cup, and already had a move to Toulon lined up which makes the South African-born lock ineligible to play for England for the time being.
Lock – George Martin
Suffering with a “minor knee injury” according to his club Leicester Tigers, but will be in camp with England for rehabilitation.
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Flanker – Tom Curry
The England, and British & Irish Lions openside is not only set to miss the Six Nations after hip surgery, but could well miss the rest of the season.
Flanker – Lewis Ludlam
The Northampton Saints skipper has been out since November after picking up an ankle injury in a win over Harlequins. He said recently that he is nearing a return, but given the back row reserves England have and the competition for places, it is hard to keep hold of your place if you are not fully fit.
Flanker – Jack Willis
The former Wasps flanker signed a deal with Toulouse last year until 2026, which puts his England career on ice until then.
No8 – Billy Vunipola
There was a sense at the World Cup that the tournament was a last hurrah for the 31-year-old Vunipola. He has not underperformed since the World Cup, but is one of the casualties as Borthwick has looked to a more youthful contingent to take England forward.
Scrum-half – Jack van Poortvliet
Another player who will be in camp rehabbing an injury, van Poortvliet is yet to play since picking up an ankle injury before the World Cup.
Centre – Manu Tuilagi
Currently out with a groin injury, the Sale Sharks star is another member of the contingent that will be rehabbing in camp.
Centre – Joe Marchant
Another France-based player unavailable for England, Marchant is currently plying his trade in the Top 14 with Stade Francais.
Winger/ fullback – Max Malins
Malins did not prove to be the most popular choice under Borthwick during the World Cup, and with the likes of George Furbank and Tommy Freeman basically demanding selection with their form with Northampton Saints, someone had to give way.
Winger/ fullback – Anthony Watson
A fourth member of the rehabbing crew in camp, Watson missed the World Cup with a calf injury. He has since returned, but is currently out with an Achilles issue.
Winger/ fullback – Henry Arundell
Tipped to be England’s posterboy post-World Cup, Arundell was expected to play in the Six Nations under ‘special circumstances’ after joining France’s Racing 92 following London Irish’s demise last year. But he put an end to his chances of playing in the Six Nations when he signed a new three year deal with the Parisians in December, and temporarily suspended his England career until 2026.
Notable exclusions who were not at the World Cup
Lock – Rusi Tuima
Exeter Chiefs’ Fijian-born lock must have been in Borthwick’s thinking, and at the age of 23, will surely feature in the future.
No8 – Alfie Barbeary
The Bath No8 has been in devastating form recently, but he had a disciplinary hearing after the squad was announced (which he has since been banned for three weeks from), which Borthwick admitted factored into his decision.
No8 – Zach Mercer
Was a controversial omission ahead of the World Cup after joining Gloucester from Montpellier, and though he started the season strongly with the Cherry and Whites, a spell on the sidelines after ankle surgery scuppered his chances of really staking a claim to make the England squad.
Winger – Joe Cokanasiga
The powerhouse on the wing has looked lethal in a resurgent Bath back line this season, but Borthwick ultimately opted for a cohort from Northampton, which is a decision that is hard to criticise.
Comments on RugbyPass
Karl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
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