Dropped England star could be called up by Six Nations rival

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Sunday, 16 February 2025 at 21:29

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byRugby Rucker

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Alex Lozowski's shock return to the England squad during the 2025 Six Nations is already over.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

The Saracens star, who last played for his country six years ago, has been cut as Steve Borthwick reshuffles his squad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland.

From Forgotten Man to Surprise Recall

The 31-year-old earned five caps between 2017 and 2018, making his debut during England's 2017 tour of Argentina. Despite his impressive club form, he spent years in the international wilderness before Borthwick handed him a surprise recall.

Italy on the Cards?

Before his England comeback, there was talk that Lozowski might switch allegiances to Italy. Eligible through his Italian grandparent, he reportedly turned down an approach from the Azzurri in 2022 but was said to be tempted by their recent Six Nations resurgence.

From Chelsea's Academy to Rugby Stardom

Rugby wasn't always Lozowski's path. He was part of Chelsea FC's academy until he was 16 but switched to rugby after leaving football behind. After completing his A-levels, he joined the Leeds Carnegie Academy and earned a degree in Economics from Leeds University.

Club Success and International Recognition

Lozowski's professional rugby journey kicked off at Wasps, where he spent two seasons before moving to Saracens. He hit the ground running at the north London club, scoring four tries in his first five Premiership games.

A key player in Saracens' domestic and European triumphs, Lozowski earned his England call-up and seemed destined for a lengthy international career. After a loan spell at Montpellier, he returned to Saracens in 2021, delivering a Player of the Match performance against Bristol to mark his comeback.

Despite his strong form, Lozowski's latest England chapter has been cut short—but don't rule out another twist in his international journey just yet.

Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent

England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?

The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

#4. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

#2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

#1. Christophe Dominici (France)

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!

Statement: England confirms squad for Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland

Paul O'Connell's nephew called up by Ireland