In a surprising twist, England’s Six Nations campaign will see Jamie George take on the captain’s role, stepping in for the absent Owen Farrell.
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The former skipper has opted out of this year’s championship, citing a focus on mental well-being for himself and his family.
The squad shake-up includes the return of centre Henry Slade and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, both of whom missed the Rugby World Cup.
Adding a dash of excitement, uncapped Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, hailing from Cardiff, joins seven other uncapped players in the squad – Chandler Cunningham-South, Ethan Roots, Oscar Beard, Fraser Dingwall, Tom Roebuck, and Fin Smith.
In a strategic move, two notable omissions from the squad are number eight Billy Vunipola and prop Kyle Sinckler. Rumor has it that Head Coach Borthwick has shifted focus from two aging stars, who have disclosed their plans for the upcoming season.
Kyle Sinckler
MailOnline report that the 30-year-old is in the final stages of agreeing a deal with the Top 14 club, after the prop flew to Toulon last week to undergo a medical.
Sinckler joined Bristol Bears in July 2020. The tighthead prop represented the Lions for the second successive tour after being called up to Warren Gatland’s squad for the 2021 tour of South Africa.
The powerhouse prop, who joined from Harlequins, has 68 caps for England and represented his country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Sinckler featured in all three tests on the Lions’ tour to New Zealand in 2017 and is one of World Rugby’s leading stars.
Billy Vunipola
Speculations are rife as reports indicate that Billy Vunipola is engaged in discussions with Suntory Sungoliath regarding a potential move to Japan. The formidable No. 8 is contemplating whether to extend his stay with Saracens or pursue a lucrative opportunity in the Far East.
This isn’t the first time the 31-year-old has been associated with the Tokyo-based team in Japan’s rapidly growing League One. Previously, Vunipola opted to remain with the Premiership champions, signing a contract extension.
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England’s unavailable XV:
15. Jack Nowell (La Rochelle)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.
14. Jonny May (Gloucester)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
arrell, the captain of the England rugby team, has opted for a hiatus from international rugby to focus on the mental well-being of himself and his family. Consequently, he will be unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations selection.
Nevertheless, Farrell will maintain his role as a player for Saracens and continue to lead the club as its captain.
The captain of the England rugby team faced significant challenges throughout the Rugby World Cup. Fans from both England and opposing nations directed intense hostility toward the fly-half in every match he played.
The situation escalated to the point where Farrell would receive loud boos whenever he was featured on the big screen or when his name was announced.
The situation escalated to the point where Farrell would receive loud boos whenever he was featured on the big screen or when his name was announced.
“It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner. Together with all of us at England Rugby, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward.”
11. Christian Wade (Racing 92)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.