Borthwick Gave Me My England Debut – Now I’m Eyeing a Shock Nation Switch

Sunday, 13 April 2025 at 10:38

byRugby Rucker

– and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.

England winger Ollie Hassell-Collins has revealed he’s open to representing Wales at the 2027 Rugby World Cup if his England career continues to stall.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

The 25-year-old, who earned two caps during the Six Nations, hasn’t been part of Steve Borthwick’s plans since. With no signs of a recall, the Leicester Tigers star could switch allegiance under World Rugby’s eligibility rules.

From February 2026, Hassell-Collins will qualify to play for Wales—a year before the next World Cup—and Warren Gatland has already hinted he’d happily welcome the winger into his squad.

Hassell-Collins hasn’t ruled it out either.

Speaking to

The Telegraph, Hassell-Collins didn’t shy away from the possibility of donning the red jersey if opportunities with England remain scarce.

"I have seen Gatland’s interview. I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.

From the Six Nations to the Valleys?
Hassell-Collins would qualify for Wales in February 2026, just in time to make a splash in Gatland’s World Cup squad. And the winger is well aware of his Welsh roots.

"I would qualify [for Wales] the year of the World Cup – that is, if he still wants me. Wales is still part of who I am. My grandma was Welsh and I still have family over there.

Family Ties – "It’s still a part of me"
Despite being firmly committed to England for now, Hassell-Collins left the door wide open for a change in allegiance.

"It’s still a part of me – and I’d never turn it down – but for now it’s England for me."

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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions

Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod

The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton’s podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there's no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.

Here’s how Biggar’s team shaped up…

Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong

It’s an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster's dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.

Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne

4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne

England’s Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He’s paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.

Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)

6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)

This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England’s Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland’s Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who’s fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.

Livewire half-backs: Gibson-Park & Russell

9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Finn Russell

Gone are the days of conservative Lions 9-10 combos. Biggar’s gone full jazz here. Gibson-Park brings the zip, and Russell… well, Russell brings the flair. The Scotland maestro’s creativity earns him the No.10 jersey over Biggar himself – no ego here.

Fire on the flanks: Lowe & Kinghorn

11. James Lowe
14. Blair Kinghorn

Two versatile Scots fill the wing slots, with Kinghorn’s blend of size and speed complementing Lowe’s relentless work rate and booming left boot. Biggar clearly values adaptability out wide – and a bit of flair never hurts.

Caledonian connection in midfield: Tuipulotu & Jones

12. Sione Tuipulotu
13. Huw Jones

The Glasgow Warriors pairing have formed one of the deadliest centre combos in rugby, and Biggar’s kept them together. It’s a bold call, but one based on form and synergy rather than reputation alone.

Rock-solid fullback: Hugo Keenan

15. Hugo Keenan

No surprise here – Keenan has been Ireland’s Mr Consistent, and Biggar trusts him to be the safety net at the back. His positioning, aerial ability and counter-attacks make him a nailed-on pick.

The bench: a mix of muscle and mischief

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith

It’s a stacked bench with serious impact. Genge and Fagerson bring brute force, while Earl and Morgan cover the back row with pace and punch. Marcus Smith adds some stardust, and Mitchell offers serious tempo at scrum-half.