Owen Farrell could be stripped of England captaincy with replacement already decided for World Cup - Ruck

Owen Farrell could be stripped of England captaincy with replacement already decided for World Cup

Current England captain Owen Farrell may not be skipper for much longer with Steve Borthwick still to decide on who should lead the country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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RUCK sources suggest that Ellis Genge, who is one of the few nailed on starters, could be the man to lead England in France.

However, Farrell will remain skipper for the remainder of the championship.

Borthwick and Genge proved a winning combination last season as Leicester Tigers marched to the Premiership title.

The loosehead-prop, who now plays for Bristol Bears, has been one of England’s most consistent performers during the 2023 Six Nations

Fortune favours the brave and all that, and a new captain heading into the World Cup could be exactly what England need.

Speaking about Genge, Borthwick said: “You learn a lot about rugby players when they’re in the dining room; when they’re eating their food,

“I remember one of the early days watching Ellis. He went from table to table, and initially I was thinking, “Is he just trying to get three or four lunches?”! But what he was actually doing was sitting with every member of the squad at lunch.

“From 18-year-olds who hadn’t played a game to guys of 34 – senior internationals – Ellis can mix, talk and build every single one of them up.”

Three players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them for France

England heaped more misery on troubled Wales with a scrappy Six Nations victory in Cardiff.

Nevertheless, Steve Borthwick’s side were far from perfect with a number of player coming under fire.

#1. Owen Farrell

Telegraph 5/10: “Farrell is a phenomenal talent but the skipper did not enjoy his best of days. Missed kicks, charge-downs – but the competitive venom was never in question.”

Guardian 5/10: “Charged down by Faletau early on but shrugged that off well. Goal-kicking was poor, not for the first time this championship.”

Planet Rugby 4/10: “Poor, poor, poor. It’s hard to justify his place in the team at the moment. Kicking off the tee was once again abysmal and his decision-making and execution was completely off. “

Evening Standard. 6/10: “Curiously off-kilter off the tee but dragged England home through sheer bloody-mindedness.”

Replacement: Marcus Smith

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