REPLACEMENTS
16. Kepu Tuipulotu (London Irish Academy)
Looking like the next big thing to come out of the England U18s, Kepu Tuipulotu has garnered a great deal of recent attention for the age group. With an explosive first step, pace to burn and a poweful carry into contact, the England U18s captain has also the traits of a ball-carrying forward. He also has an excellent dart from the line-out and hooks proficiently at scrum-time. Certainly one for the future, with eligibility for both England and Wales.
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks)
Picked for the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a supporting role to Ellis Genge and Joe Marler, Rodd looks set to move up the pecking order after the Harlequin hangs up his international boots. The 23-year-old is on the right track to be involved for the 2027 trip ‘Down Under’, with his sole World Cup cap so far coming in a start against Chile.
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
The Bristol Bears man remains amongst England’s leading tight-head props, however as previously mentioned, we can see Will Stuart taking the lead in Australia 2027. Sinckler will be entering the latter stages of his career in four years time, as he will be 34, and can offer an experienced voice in the changing rooms ahead of high-stakes matches.
19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
It was a tough call as to whether George Martin will start or be on the bench, for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. For now, we’ve gone with the Itoje-Chessum lock partnership, with Martin given four years to prove himself. Martin could well establish a all-Leicester second row with Ollie Chessum, however there is no denying Itoje’s talents, with it looking more likely to see the two Tigers battle for the number five jersey.
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Curry has been the resident ‘bad boy’ of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign, with his first round red card keeping him out of action for the majority of the pool stage. Curry was frequently seen busted open on his return to action, as his fearlessness and aggression knows no bounds. He looks set for another World Cup run in four years time, but may have to play second-string behind Earl and Barbeary if the two progress as predicted.
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Alex Mitchell was initially dropped by Borthwick, but was given a late re-calling to the England squad for the Rugby World Cup following Jack van Poortvliet’s injury. This delighted England supporters, as did Borthwick’s unexpected call to make Mitchell his leading nine for the competition. Fast-tracked ahead of Care and Youngs, Mitchell will now battle it out with JVP to take the nine jersey to Australia in four years time.
22. Manu Vunipola (Saracens)
An exhilarating young fly-half who is learning from the best at Saracens. Manu Vunipola has been steadily making a name for himself, as Mark McCall’s go-to number 10 in the absence of Owen Farrell. The cousin to Billy and Mako, Manu Vunipola is just 23-years-old and has already become a starring name at the Stone X Stadium. He is following the rapid trajectory of one Marcus Smith, and could well support the Harlequin in England’s new era.
23. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers)
After his inclusion throughout the 2023 Six Nations, Ollie Hassell-Collins was left out of the squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and began steadily chipping away at his new Premiership club Leicester Tigers. The former London Irish man is a powerhouse left-winger, with a bright future in an England jersey as the likes of Elliot Daly and Jonny May enter the twilights of their career.