BREAKING: Owen Farrell suffers injury setback in training

byRugby Rucker

England head coach Steve Borthwick may be forced into a late change after fly-half Owen Farrell picked up an injury in training.

RUCK’s 2023 Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.

Reports last night suggested Farrell was set to start in place of Marcus Smith despite the injury worry.

Borthwick has pushed his team announcement back to 5pm to give Farrell the best possible choice to prove his fitness.

Elsewhere, Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade are also set to be reunited in midfield, while Henry Arundell is pushing hard to make a first start on the wing.

Northampton’s David Ribbans is expected to feature in the second row in place of the injured Ollie Chessum as England look to atone for their record 53-10 defeat to France.

The men in white will travel to Dublin to take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 18 March (5pm KO) in their final game of the championship.

Ireland v England is live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live.

LEAKED ENGLAND XV: Mail Online

15. Freddie Steward

Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

14. Max Malins

11. Anthony Watson

13. Henry Slade

12. Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

10. Owen Farrell

9. Jack van Poortvliet

Ellis Genge

Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

2. Jamie George

3. Kyle Sinkler

4. Maro Itoje

A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

5. David Ribbans

6. Lewis Ludlam

7. Jack Willis

Try Celebrations for Jack Willis of England as he goes over for a try during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

8. Alex Dombrandt