"Jalibert-esque” - Five England hopefuls who impressed in Gallagher PREM Round 1

For five England hopefuls, this season could be a chance to force their way into the international picture.

The 2027 World Cup may be edging closer, but strong form can change plans quickly. These five players certainly gave Borthwick something to think about this weekend.

A hat-trick on the opening weekend is one way to announce yourself.

The 19-year-old was one of RUCK’s standout performers of the round as Northampton Saints swept aside Newcastle Red Bulls, with Pater proving a constant threat from full-back.

Quick, confident and dangerous whenever space opened up, he looked right at home in the No.15 shirt.

An England call-up is probably some way off for now, but another season of performances like this could change that.

Pater was part of the England U20s squad this year and could follow a similar path to Henry Pollock, who quickly rose through the ranks at Northampton.

Gloucester’s win at Sandy Park produced one of the weekend’s standout individual displays.

Atkinson, who has been compared to France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert by boss George Skivington, was at the heart of everything the Cherry and Whites did well.

He controlled the game and regularly putting his team into dangerous attacking positions. .

He was sharp with ball in hand and reliable from the tee as Gloucester stunned Exeter Chiefs.

At just 24, the former Leicester Tigers and Wasps fly-half still has plenty of time to push his case. Three appearances for England A last season also show he remains on the wider radar.

England’s fly-half options are stacked, with Marcus Smith, Fin Smith and George Ford all ahead of him.

Players such as Billy Searle and Atkinson face a similar challenge, despite being proven performers at PREM Rugby level.

If his form continues, another chance with England may not be too far away. He currently has one senior cap to his name.

A move into the second row did little to limit Hill’s influence as Bath secured an impressive victory at Harlequins.

The Bath forward was part of a pack that caused Quins problems throughout the afternoon, particularly with their driving game.

His ability to cover both the second row and back row also gives him plenty of value.

Despite making his England debut back in 2018, Hill has won only five senior caps. Many feel his Test career has not yet matched his ability at club level.

At 27, he will know opportunities are limited.

But, there is little more he can do than continue producing performances like this. His physicality and athleticism could yet put him back into Steve Borthwick’s plans.

Injuries have been a major obstacle for Segun throughout his career and have prevented him from building the consistency needed to push for England selection.

After an impressive, injury-free campaign last season, however, he picked up where he left off with two tries at Welford Road as Saracens defeated Leicester Tigers.

There is plenty to like about his game. Segun combines a low centre of gravity with power and genuine pace, giving him a similar physical profile to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Several PREM Rugby wingers with England caps have not produced at the level Segun has shown at times. If he can stay fit and maintain his current form, recognition may follow.

Harding was one of Bristol’s standout performers as the Bears secured an excellent away win at Sale.

The Bristol captain put in a huge shift, carrying hard throughout the match while also making a big impact at the breakdown.

He was up against a group of highly experienced and decorated back-rowers but more than held his own, helping Bristol secure a result few would have expected before kick-off.

England have plenty of options in the back row, which makes selection difficult for the 27-year-old. However, Harding did feature three times for England A last season, meaning he remains on the wider radar.

Another strong campaign could give him a chance to push his name further into the conversation.