England Head Coach Steve Borthwick announced his 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup yesterday, and there are some high-profile omissions from the group heading to France.
Borthwick gave no second chances to the side that were defeated 20-9 by Wales, as eight players that featured in the Cardiff loss have been cut from the group. If brought together, the players that were left out of the latest England squad make up the foundations of quite a competitive side.
So we decided to piece together a 23-man England squad, entirely made up of players that are not going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Most of these players were involved in the wider training group throughout the Summer, however some slot in despite their long-time omission from international duties, or upcoming moves overseas.
Here is RUCK’s England squad, that is NOT going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Back Three
15. Mike Brown – Leicester Tigers
Brown has had a recent career resurgence after joining Leicester Tigers from Newcastle Falcons, but the 37-year-old veteran has not caught the eye of Borthwick as of late. Borthwick selected a fullback contingent of Freddie Steward and Elliot Daly, with Henry Arundell adding another option across a versatile back-three.
14. Cadan Murley – Harlequins
An exciting young talent who Quins fans are eager to see make his England debut, Murley will have to bide his time for a little longer, before making the walk from the Stoop to Twickenham Stadium. He was Let go from the squad despite finishing the 2022/23 Premiership season as the top try scorer with 15 tries.
11. Joe Cokanasiga – Bath Rugby
Failed to impress on his return to the England squad, and is included in the group who were let go after the disappointing performance against Wales. Cokanasiga’s highlight from his return saw him send Rio Dyer flying in a tackle collision, but he never hit top gear at the Principality Stadium.
Centres
13. Henry Slade – Exeter Chiefs
A shock omission which was reportedly ‘leaked’ out, before Steve Borthwick’s official squad was announced. Slade misses out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as competition is too fierce in the centres. The Exeter Chiefs man is staying put in Devon, and will focus his attention on the re-build taking place at Sandy Park.
12. Guy Porter – Northampton Saints
Porter ran out for the full 80 against Wales, yet ends up in the same boat as Slade who achieved just a 10 minute cameo. Porter is yet to find his feet in the England centre pecking order, which currently favours Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence and Joe Marchant. Despite not making the official squad, Porter is said to be included to play against Wales at Twickenham, with Marchant not training at full capacity.
Halfbacks
10. Fin Smith – Northampton Saints
It was always going to be difficult for Fin Smith to squeeze into the Rugby World Cup squad, as England have three world class fly halves at their disposal. Smith heads back to Franklin’s Gardens, with Owen Farrell, George Ford, and his namesake Marcus set to jostle it out for the 10 jersey in France.
9. Alex Mitchell – Northampton Saints
Someone who England fans and pundits believe to be unfortunate to miss out, Danny Care and Ben Youngs seem to edge in ahead of Mitchell on an experience basis. The Saints scrum half has been constantly improving, yet will have to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup from afar.