Dan Cole
The fourth-highest appearance maker of all time for England was dropped for three years after his poor performance in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. And Borthwick raised eyebrows by bringing him back into the fold this time around.
Cole, 36, is coming to the end of his fourth World Cup campaign, after which he is expected to call time on a 13-year international career that has seen him rack up 106 caps. “For the last four years I didn’t think it would happen,” admitted the Leicester Tigers veteran last month.
Danny Care
The 36-year-old initiated his England journey in 2008. Much like his teammate Marler, he conceded that a discussion with Borthwick ignited the belief that making the squad for this year’s World Cup could be a reality.
In his own words, he shared, “When Steve picked up the phone and extended the opportunity for me to come in and compete for a spot, I’ve never hung up a call with more excitement.”
With his contract at Harlequins set to conclude at the end of the season, it appears increasingly probable that Care will not only bid adieu to his international career in the upcoming months but also retire from the sport altogether.
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