Incoming England boss Steve Borthwick could be boosted by the return of a number of important players that were previously blacklisted.
Although some missed the Autumn through injury, others were controversially blacklisted by Eddie Jones.
We take a look at those who were on the casualty list/naughty step and missed the autumn but might return for the start of the Six Nations championship:
#1. Joe Marler
The prop has put a future in the media into a higher gear, regularly appearing on celebrity game shows, presenting on Talk Sport and even starring in a new celebrity version of Rui Paul’s Drag Race.
Marler's relationship with Jones was further strained during the summer when he declared that Jones decision to replace 80-cap Danny Care after just 36 minutes against Australia ‘lacked respect’.
Despite only being 31-year’s-old, he has previously revealed that he doesn’t see himself playing on much longer if he fell out of favour with the England boss.
However, he remains England's best scrummager and should be recalled to help sure up the set piece.
Joe Marler of England warming up during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 12th March 2022 - PHOTO: George Tewkesbury/PPAUK
Joe Marler facts:
- Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
- After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
- He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
- Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
- He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce
#2. Ben Earl
The Sarries flanker has been the standout English back-rower in the Premiership for a considerable period of time. His explosive carrying and breakdown snaffling make him the type of player that can change a game on his own.
His omission under Jones was baffling, especially when the former England boss started picking locks in the back-row more and more often.
Earl has captained England at Under-20s and was a part of the side that won the Grand Slam in the 2017 Six Nations; he also scored in the U20 World Championship final against New Zealand, going on to captain his country the following campaign.
The back rower has since made his full England debut, coming on in the Six Nations against Scotland in February 2020.
He memorably scored a hat-trick against Harlequins in the 21/22 Premiership semi-final, and his form has continued to go from strength to strength.
DID YOU KNOW? Off the field, Earl graduated from Queen Mary University with a degree in comparative literature in July 2019.
Ben Earl of Saracens applauds supporters the Gallagher Premiership match between Saracens and London Irish at The StoneX Stadium, Hendon, London on November 6 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#3. George Ford
With Borthwick leaving Leicester to take the England reins, a returning Ford could once again see himself playing a leading role. It was Ford’s tactical nous, alongside Borthwick’s assiduousness and obsessive attention to detail, that spearheaded Leicester to that unlikely Premiership title last season.
A long-term injury lay-off should have him well rested and ready to take full part under the new regime.
Ford made his England debut in 2014 and has since gone on to win more than 80 caps. He played a key role as Eddie Jones’s men reached the World Cup final in 2019.
After announcing George’s signing, Sharks DoR Alex Sanderson described him as one of the world’s best fly-halves.
He added: “He’s a northerner and his heart is very much in this area. He’s been away for some years now but he’s coming back to his spiritual home. It’s a massive boost for the club and it’s a big indication of what we’re all about and where we’re trying to get to.”
Leicester Tigers player George Ford (c) during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#4. Sam Underhill
nderhill has developed into a world-class back rower at Bath Rugby.
He came on to the scene at 17 featuring a couple of times for Gloucester before switching to Ospreys where he firmly introduced himself with Wales and England vying for his international commitment.
Born in USA, Underhill did captain England at Under-18 level and moved to Bath Rugby in 2017, making his full international debut in Argentina following on from a non-cap appearance against the Barbarians.
A powerful and destructive forward, the flanker is player who has a huge influence with his leadership and is a menace over the ball.
Underhill was a key in England’s run to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and has been a consistent performer for the Blue, Black and Whites, surpassing 50 appearances for the club in 2021.
Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Ollie Lawrence
Lawrence joined Bath Rugby in October 2022 originally as short-term injury dispensation cover before committing his long-term future to the club.
The centre started his career in the Worcester Warriors Academy aged 14 and rose through the ranks, debuting for the first team in 2017 with a try in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against Sale Sharks.
He received his first England call-up shortly after starring for his country's Under-18s and Under-20s in 2018, earning his first full cap in 2020 as Eddie Jones' side won the Covid-delayed Six Nations.
Lawrence's first international try came in the summer of 2021 against USA.
Ollie Lawrence of England Rugby during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Georgia at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 14 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
