"Injury blow" - Steve Borthwick forced into late England change against Wales
Rugby NewsThursday, 05 February 2026 at 18:44
hotel, supporting Kenningham as his rugby career continues to rise.
England’s Six Nations opener against Wales is drifting into late-week uncertainty, with reports suggesting Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is now likely to be ruled out, despite being named in the starting XV on Monday.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
The Exeter wing was pulled from training with a leg issue and, while the initial message was caution rather than crisis, the tone has shifted.
England are understood to be preparing for a forced change ahead of Saturday’s 4.40pm kick-off at the Principality Stadium — a venue that thrives on disruption and doubt.
The backdrop is as volatile as ever. Last season’s astonishing 68–14 England win in Cardiff sits awkwardly alongside a run of tight, grinding encounters, with the two previous meetings decided by four points combined. History suggests this rivalry rarely repeats itself.
If Feyi-Waboso can’t go, Elliot Daly is poised to step in, offering experience, aerial security and positional intelligence, even if England lose some explosive edge.
There’s intrigue in the pack too. Maro Itoje’s place on the bench raised eyebrows, but the decision is rooted in management and circumstance following a recent family bereavement.
England still expect him to play a major role off the bench, particularly if the contest turns ugly late on.
Where to watch England v Wales
| When: | Saturday 7th February |
| Where: | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham |
| Kick-off: | 16:40 |
| How to watch: | ITV1 |
Previous encounters
2025: Wales 14-68 England
2024: England 16-14 Wales
2023: England 19-17 Wales
2022: Wales 20-9 England
2021: Wales 10-20 England
England team to play Wales (Confirmed)
Kick-off: 4.40pm
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 22 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
11. Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 105 caps) – vice-captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 27 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 75 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 105 caps) – captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 7 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 46 caps)
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 53 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 10 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
19. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 97 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 65 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 46 caps)
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England’s Six Nations WAGs includes doctor and underwear model
As England’s rugby heroes take centre stage in the Autumn Internationals, all eyes aren’t just on the pitch — but on the glamorous England's Six Nations WAGs cheering from the stands.
From globe-trotting models to inspiring success stories, meet the stunning women behind England’s top rugby stars.
England's Six Nations WAGs: 2026
? Jemima Sellicks – The brilliant doctor dating Saints star Alex Coles
Jemima Sellicks, an internal medicine doctor and member of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently dating Northampton Saints standout Alex Coles.
Working at Northampton General Hospital, Sellicks brings brains to match Coles’ rugby talent, as the Saints forward continues to make waves on the pitch.
?️ Madison Woan – The Caribbean beauty dating Freddie Steward
Madison Woan, daughter of Nottingham Forest legend Ian Woan, has been soaking up the sun with England fullback Freddie Steward. The stylish brunette spent the summer in the Caribbean with her rugby beau, sharing envy-inducing snaps before the international action began.
? Beth Dolling – Model girlfriend of Marcus Smith steals the spotlight
Model and singer Beth Dolling, 25, is the glamorous other half of England fly-half Marcus Smith — and she’s every inch the fashion icon. Having worked with top brands like PrettyLittleThing, Beth often stuns her followers with chic snaps and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life with her rugby superstar boyfriend.
In one heartfelt post, she gushed:
“Watching you do what you love makes me so proud.” The couple have been together since 2021 and are easily one of rugby’s most photogenic duos.
? Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s stunning model wife
England powerhouse Maro Itoje said “I do” this summer to his model partner Mimi Fall, after a romantic proposal during a trip to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi has since shared breathtaking moments from their celebrations, giving fans a glimpse into their life together — a mix of love, style and global glamour.
Henry Pollock – single and ready to mingle
The 20-year-old has been linked to a number of girls since breaking onto the international scene, but for now remains single.
? Megan Slade – Devon business boss and proud mum to Henry Slade’s kids
Henry Slade’s wife Megan is a true multitasker — a fashion entrepreneur, mum of two, and devoted rugby supporter. The couple, who married in 2022, share daughters Olive and Orli.
Megan also runs Olive & Bud, her own Devon-based children’s clothing brand, and frequently posts adorable match-day family moments on Instagram.
? Atdhetare Hoxha – The incredible refugee who found love with George Ford
Atdhetare Hoxha, wife of England fly-half George Ford, has one of the most inspiring backstories in the rugby world. Having fled war-torn Kosovo as a child, Atdhetare has built a life filled with love, strength, and resilience.
The couple married in 2022 and are proud parents to daughter Alarnia, born March 2024 — plus two adorable French Bulldogs. Atdhetare once shared: “I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. Everything we had was taken in a heartbeat.”
Her courage and success make her one of the most empowering England WAGs of all.
? Katie George – The ambitious consultant married to vice-captain Jamie
England vice-captain Jamie George tied the knot with Katie George in December 2020, just before lockdown struck. The couple had an intimate ceremony with teammate Elliot Daly as best man.
Katie is a project manager at KS TWO Consulting and manages to balance career and family life effortlessly. Jamie once admitted: “She’s working nine to five while I’m just trying to keep busy.”
?? Chloe Rose – Cornish sweetheart of Luke Cowan-Dickie
Chloe Rose prefers to keep things private, but the partner of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been by his side through thick and thin. The pair share a son, Arlo, born in 2020, with Luke proudly calling fatherhood his “world.”
She may not chase the spotlight, but Chloe is a constant figure of support, often spotted cheering from the sidelines.
? Gracie Hand – The low-key student dating Fin Smith
Young love! Fin Smith’s girlfriend Gracie Hand is a student who keeps her life low-key, but the England fly-half often posts adorable photos of the couple online. Fans can’t get enough of their down-to-earth romance as Fin rises through the rugby ranks.
? Ashleigh Inwood – Tommy Freeman’s long-time love
Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for more than five years, and the pair are clearly stronger than ever. The couple recently bought a home near Northampton, and Tommy marked their anniversary with a heartfelt tribute: “Forever grateful for your support.”
In a cheeky interview, he joked about his friendship with teammate Fin Smith: “Our girlfriends think we like each other more than them!”
? Poppy Daniel – The Bristol graduate dating Quins newcomer Jack Kenningham
Harlequins star Jack Kenningham, one of the fresh faces pushing for a first England cap, also has plenty to smile about off the pitch with partner Poppy Daniel.
While she keeps a low profile, Daniel is known to be a Bristol University alum and has previously worked at The Beach at Bude
Can you name every Six Nations-winning captain?
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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