Incoming England boss Steve Borthwick could be boosted by the return of a number of important players that were previously blacklisted.
Although some missed the Autumn through injury, others were controversially blacklisted by Eddie Jones.
We take a look at those who were on the casualty list/naughty step and missed the autumn but might return for the start of the Six Nations championship:
#1. Joe Marler
The prop has put a future in the media into a higher gear, regularly appearing on celebrity game shows, presenting on Talk Sport and even starring in a new celebrity version of Rui Paul’s Drag Race.
Marler’s relationship with Jones was further strained during the summer when he declared that Jones decision to replace 80-cap Danny Care after just 36 minutes against Australia ‘lacked respect’.
Despite only being 31-year’s-old, he has previously revealed that he doesn’t see himself playing on much longer if he fell out of favour with the England boss.
However, he remains England’s best scrummager and should be recalled to help sure up the set piece.
Joe Marler facts:
- Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
- After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
- He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
- Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
- He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce