"3/10" - Telegraph ranks England's five WORST players during 2026 Six Nations

Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 16:21

byRugby Rucker

England’s 2026 Six Nations campaign proved deeply underwhelming, with the side managing just one win from five matches.

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The tournament exposed significant issues in cohesion, selection, and attacking identity, leaving head coach and players under growing scrutiny.

In its post-tournament review, The Telegraph highlighted five England players who struggled to make a meaningful impact, handing out some of the lowest ratings in the squad.

While harsh, the assessments reflect a campaign where very little went to plan.

Fraser Dingwall – A Reliable Presence Without Cutting Edge

Telegraph rating: 4/10

"We know how much he is valued internally for his leadership skills, but lacks either the size or speed to make much of an imprint. Which other Test teams would he start at 12 for?"

RUCK verdict:
Dingwall provided structure and dependability at inside centre, often acting as an additional distributor in England’s backline. However, the attack frequently lacked tempo and punch with him in midfield. He rarely threatened the gainline consistently, though this may say as much about England’s tactical setup as his individual limitations.

Ollie Lawrence – Targeted and Limited

Telegraph rating: 4/10

"One appearance against Ireland who seemed to target his defensive channel. Curiously England said he picked up a knee injury but started for Bath in a friendly on Friday night."

RUCK verdict:
Lawrence featured only once, against Ireland, where he appeared to be singled out defensively. His overall contribution was tidy but subdued, with few opportunities to influence the game. A lack of minutes ultimately prevented him from making a stronger case.

Bevan Rodd – Solid Effort, Reduced Impact

Telegraph rating: 4/10

"England’s scrum dominance seemed to dissipate every time he came on. Lots of willing grunt work but Fin Baxter was a big miss."

RUCK verdict:
Rodd offered physicality and work rate off the bench, but England’s scrum appeared less effective during his spells on the field. While reliable in his role, he struggled to impose himself or shift momentum in key moments.

Sam Underhill – Big Hits, Costly Misses

Telegraph rating: 4/10

"Missed Finn Russell twice in one passage of play which led to him being replaced at half-time. England still love his hitting power."

RUCK verdict:
Underhill showed flashes of his trademark defensive aggression, but inconsistency proved an issue. The missed tackles against Scotland were particularly damaging, and he was unable to maintain a high level across the tournament. His impact was also affected by broader team struggles.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – A Difficult Campaign

Telegraph rating: 3/10

"There were some good bits but the bad bits – see 29-minute substitution against Ireland – were really hard to overlook."

RUCK verdict:
England’s lowest-rated player endured a tough Six Nations. His lineout throwing lacked reliability, and he failed to make a meaningful impact in open play. The early substitution against Ireland summed up a campaign where the negatives outweighed the positives.