Steve Borthwick has confirmed his 36-man squad for the 2024 Six Nations, following the squad announcement this morning at Twickenham Stadium. Following Owen Farrell’s international step down, Borthwick has selected hooker Jamie George to captain the side for the upcoming competition.
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There is a definitive feel of a new era around Twickenham, as Borthwick welcomes seven uncapped players into the England camp. Two ‘bolters’ each come from Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins, with Sale Sharks also contributing a fresh face to the England camp. From the 34 players who played for England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, only 17 players return to the squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
International retirements for Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May open up space for the next generation, as do the contingent of Jack Willis, Henry Arundell, Joe Marchant and David Ribbans who rule themselves out with French club commitments. Owen Farrell’s international exit open up a gap amongst the fly-half pecking order, that has been filled by Northampton Saints maestro Fin Smith.
Borthwick confirmed to have spoken with Owen Farrell yesterday, and he wishes the Saracen all the best should his move to Racing 92 materialise.
“I spoke with Owen, I spoke with Owen yesterday, I think what’s important is, that Owen makes a decision that’s right for Owen and his family. That will a player of Owen’s calibre be missed, if he chooses to play outside of England, of course. But I think do I want him at some point in the future to come back, yes. But, I want him to do what’s right for him and his family and how they experience it, and the memories that he wants them to make.”
Here are the 5 Biggest Talking Points, following Steve Borthwick’s live press conference at Twickenham Stadium.
1. Jamie George Named England Captain
Jamie George was named as England captain, in the same day that he was confirmed to have signed a contract extension with Saracens.
“Firstly, I think he’s an outstanding player. I think he will be that, one of the best set piece workers in the world and incredible work rate. he leads a great example, in that sense. I think. Secondly, I think he’s got a fantastic understanding of the game tactically, he’s very astute. And thirdly, I think he’s brilliant with people relationships. So I think everybody in the room would acknowledge that Jamie has a great vibrancy and energy value. And he builds great relationships with it.”
“It’s a real positive step (for England, that George remains at Saracens). I think it’s a real good sign, I think English rugby, after Worcester and Wasps (administration) has potentially turned the corner, and we’re all seeing that, in terms of the positive nature of English rugby, certainly in what we’ve seen so far this season. I think to have the captain of England shows his future to English rugby and it’s an important step.”
“I think there’s a good number of names (potential captains). And I think you look at it. One thing that struck me, was in the past, there’s been talks about England not necessarily having leaders. When I look at it in that experience I’ve had over the last 12 months and see him (Jamie George) under Owen’s (Farrell) captaincy, and seeing all the other leaders thriving.
“This is a group that brought themselves together, we just give them the room to do so.
And Jamie George, Ellis Genge who’s just really an incredible influence around the squad Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, Danny Care, the list could go on, Sladey (Henry Slade), and this could go on. I think we’ve got some real good candidates. And I think Jamie’s the outstanding one for this team right now.”
2. Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola Not Included In Six Nations Squad
When Borthwick was asked about the decision to not include Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola in his Six Nations squad, he spoke very positively about the other players who have been vying for match action. Borthwick focussed on Sinckler’s absence, with the likes of Dan Cole, Joe Heyes and Will Stuart creating a great contest for the England tight-head slot.
“So I spoke to both players regularly and spoke about what I’d like to see, the development in their games to be in the squad. It’s competition for places, and I think that’s really important. I’m sure that when you look at the tight-heads there, you Will Stuart, he’s been playing well for Bath, I think you see Joe Heyes, and you see all the development in his game, particularly this year.
“Dan Cole has kept that level through, so you’ve got a player who is extremely experienced like Dan Cole, and then one who has played a few cops like Joe Heyes, in that position we’ve got that cross section. And it’s important to recognize the impact that Dan Cole (has had).
When we were sat here in January 2023, the England scrum was ranked 10th in the world, and it’s now ranked a good number of places higher than that.
“I think Dan Cole’s influence in there has been significant and I think he’s it’s important that he’s around at the squat. Do I think Kyle Sinckler could come back in the squad at some point in the future? I’m pretty sure we will be, I’m sure. I get a sense of determination from him to go after the aspects we discussed.”