Rugby fans are famously fickle, with opinions strongly entrenched in club bias, myself included.
It’s just the way we are. But there is a validity in these arguments; there are a lot of talented players with fewer England caps than their talent probably merits.
On that note, here is, in my humblest of opinions, the best uncapped England XV.
Fullback: Josh Hodge (Exeter Chiefs) – The 20-year-old started for Exeter for the first time since his move from Newcastle in June against Bristol last week. It’s fair to say he made quite the impression.
Winger: Ollie Thorley (Gloucester) – He made his debut for the Cherry & Whites in 2013 as a 17-year-old, partnering World Cup winner Mike Tindall in the centre of an LV= Cup match, and has since gone on to prove himself as one of the brightest talents at Kingsholm. A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line.
Centre: Cameron Redpath (Bath RFC) – The son of 60-cap Scotland legend Bryan Redpath, centre Cameron was born in Narbonne, France. He was selected in England’s 34-man squad for their 2018 tour of South Africa but was unable to travel with the squad because of injury. The 20-year-old, who recently departed Sale Sharks for Bath Rugby, has also represented England U20, scoring three tries in nine appearances.
Centre: Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors) – The 20-year-old continues a low-slung surge towards Test recognition. His slicing angles are troubling Premiership midfields, a kicking game is developing and he even dotted down at the tail of a driving maul in the comprehensive win over Harlequins.
Winger: Ratu Naulago (Bristol Bears) – The speedster took Super League by storm with Hull RFC, scoring 17 tries in 26 games, before signing with Bristol Bears for the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season. It will be a switch back to union for Naulago, who previously won the Premiership 7s title with Saracens. If he can hit the ground running, he’d be right in the frame for a call-up from Eddie Jones.