The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be the ultimate test for Owen Farrell’s position as England Captain. Upon his appointment as England’s Head Coach, Steve Borthwick named the Saracen as his captain for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Farrell is expected to retain the role for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, but the arduous tournament can soon take it’s toll, with unexpected injuries possible in every game.
Look no further than Dan Carter’s 2011 training injury, to see that there is no guarantee for rugby’s biggest stars to shine in every match. Borthwick must have had to think about who his back-up captains will be, if Owen Farrell is injured or underperforming. Here are the next three in line, to take over the captaincy at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
- Ellis Genge
Ellis Genge has established himself to be the first reserve to the England captaincy, if Owen Farrell is injured or dropped to the bench. The ‘Baby Rhino’ got his first opportunity to lead his country during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, however the match will be forever remembered in England rugby infamy. The 53-10 loss to France set a record defeat for England at Twickenham, yet Genge honourably stepped up and faced the media after the final whistle.
Genge has matured into a true leader, and has grown exponentially throughout his career. He has formed a high quality ‘club and country’ allegiance with Kyle Sinckler, and has helped his Bristol Bears teammate to keep a cool head in heated front-row battles. Genge was one of England’s best players of the 2023 Six Nations, and lead the gain-line breaking charts in the first three rounds of the competition.
Genge will undoubtedly be an integral part of England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, and could well be called upon by Borthwick to lead his side out. There are in no way any ‘guaranteed wins’ during a Rugby World Cup, but England have been gifted a Pool stage where they are considerable favourites to finish in the top two.
England take on their most significant threat of Argentina first, with Farrell expected to lead the line against Los Pumas. Yet Genge could well take up the ‘invisible armband’ against Chile, with the Saracens fly half rewarded with a well-earnt rest.