England team to play Fiji: Steve Borthwick makes SEVEN CHANGES

Thursday, 06 November 2025 at 11:38

byCharlie Elliott

Steve Borthwick has announced the England team to play Fiji today ahead of their highly anticipated match at Twickenham this Saturday.

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England’s second fixture of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series sees Maro Itoje and Ellis Genge named as co-captains. With Itoje among the replacements this week, Genge will lead the team from the start of the match.They are supported by vice-captains Jamie George, Fraser Dingwall and Ollie Chessum.

There are seven changes to the starting XV that beat Australia 25-7 last weekend with Genge, Marcus Smith, Ollie Lawrence, Fin Smith, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Coles, and Chandler Cunningham-South all coming into the lineup.

“It was a pleasing start to the series against Australia last weekend, and we know we’ll need to take another step forward against Fiji,” said Borthwick.

“The focus for us this week is on improving on last weekend’s performance and continuing to develop our game.

“Fiji are a dangerous team with power and quality right across the pitch. They play with physicality and skill, so we’ll need to bring intensity, accuracy and discipline in everything that we do.

“Playing in front of our supporters again at Allianz Stadium means a huge amount to the players, and the team are determined to deliver a performance they can be proud of.”

England’s clash with Fiji is followed by home fixtures against New Zealand and Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

When is England vs. Fiji?

The game kicks off at 5:40 p.m. GMT on Saturday, 8th November 2025, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. In Suva, Fiji, that will be 5:40 a.m. on Sunday, 9th November 2025.

Date: Saturday, 8th November 2025
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 5:40pm GMT
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TV Coverage: Live on TNT Sports
Tickets: Tickets here

Where will England vs. Fiji be broadcast?

The England vs. Fiji match will be shown live on TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK. Fans can also follow the game on BBC Radio 5Live, with ESPN UK providing the latest news and updates around the fixture.

Last Meeting

The last encounter at Twickenham saw Fiji claim a historic 30-22 victory over England, marking their first-ever win at the venue. Although England avenged that result at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a 30-24 quarterfinal win, Steve Borthwick’s side will be eager to assert dominance on home turf once again this Saturday.

England Team to Play Fiji

15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 44 caps)

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 21 caps)

13. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 35 caps)

12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 5 caps) – vice-captain

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 10 caps)

10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 12 caps)

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 72 caps) – co-captain

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)

3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 15 caps)

4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 29 caps) – vice-captain

6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 43 caps)

8. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 18 caps)

Replacements:

16. Jamie George (Saracens, 103 caps) – vice-captain

17. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 15 caps)

18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)

19. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 94 caps) – co-captain

20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 62 caps)

21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)

22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)

23. Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)

Tickets for the England v Fiji autumn international went on general sale on Tuesday 24th June, priced from £50 (Cat 4) to £101 (Premium) plus fees. Check the England Rugby Official Ticketing website (powered by Ticketmaster) for further information.

ENGLAND WAG'S

?️ Madison Woan – The Caribbean beauty dating Freddie Steward

Blonde beauty Madison Woan, daughter of Nottingham Forest assistant manager Ian Woan, has been soaking up the sun in the Caribbean with her boyfriend,England rugby fullback Freddie Steward.

The stylish pair shared envy-inducing holiday snaps before the international season began, giving fans a glimpse of their romantic getaway.

She recently completed a trek across the Sahara with her mum to raise funds for the Rosie May Foundation — and you can still make a donation here.

Madison’s father, Ian Woan, is a former midfielder best known for his long spell at Nottingham Forest in the 1990s, where he made over 250 appearances under legendary boss Brian Clough.

After retiring, he forged a successful coaching career alongside Sean Dyche at Burnley and Everton before rejoining Forest as part of the Premier League club’s coaching team.

? Beth Dolling – Model girlfriend of Marcus Smith steals the spotlight

Model and singer Beth Dolling, 25, is the glamorous other half of England fly-half Marcus Smith — and she’s every inch the fashion icon.

Having worked with top brands like PrettyLittleThing, Beth often stuns her followers with chic snaps and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life with her rugby superstar boyfriend.

In one heartfelt post, she gushed: “Watching you do what you love makes me so proud.” The couple have been together since 2021 and are easily one of rugby’s most photogenic duos.

? Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s stunning model wife

England powerhouse Maro Itoje said “I do” this summer to his model partner Mimi Fall, after a romantic proposal during a trip to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi has since shared breathtaking moments from their celebrations, giving fans a glimpse into their life together — a mix of love, style and global glamour.

? Megan Slade – Devon business boss and proud mum to Henry Slade’s kids

Henry Slade’s wife Megan is a true multitasker — a fashion entrepreneur, mum of two, and devoted rugby supporter. The couple, who married in 2022, share daughters Olive and Orli.

Megan also runs Olive & Bud, her own Devon-based children’s clothing brand, and frequently posts adorable match-day family moments on Instagram.

? Atdhetare Hoxha – The incredible refugee who found love with George Ford

Atdhetare Hoxha, wife of England fly-half George Ford, has one of the most inspiring backstories in the rugby world. Having fled war-torn Kosovo as a child, Atdhetare has built a life filled with love, strength, and resilience.

The couple married in 2022 and are proud parents to daughter Alarnia, born March 2024 — plus two adorable French Bulldogs. Atdhetare once shared: “I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. Everything we had was taken in a heartbeat.”

Her courage and success make her one of the most empowering England WAGs of all.

? Katie George – The ambitious consultant married to vice-captain Jamie

England vice-captain Jamie George tied the knot with Katie George in December 2020, just before lockdown struck. The couple had an intimate ceremony with teammate Elliot Daly as best man.

Katie is a project manager at KS TWO Consulting and manages to balance career and family life effortlessly. Jamie once admitted: “She’s working nine to five while I’m just trying to keep busy.”

?‍? Chloe Rose – Cornish sweetheart of Luke Cowan-Dickie

Chloe Rose prefers to keep things private, but the partner of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been by his side through thick and thin. The pair share a son, Arlo, born in 2020, with Luke proudly calling fatherhood his “world.”

She may not chase the spotlight, but Chloe is a constant figure of support, often spotted cheering from the sidelines.

? Gracie Hand – The low-key student dating Fin Smith

Young love! Fin Smith’s girlfriend Gracie Hand is a student who keeps her life low-key, but the England fly-half often posts adorable photos of the couple online. Fans can’t get enough of their down-to-earth romance as Fin rises through the rugby ranks.

? Ashleigh Inwood – Tommy Freeman’s long-time love

Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for more than five years, and the pair are clearly stronger than ever. The couple recently bought a home near Northampton, and Tommy marked their anniversary with a heartfelt tribute: “Forever grateful for your support.”

In a cheeky interview, he joked about his friendship with teammate Fin Smith: “Our girlfriends think we like each other more than them!”

❤️ England’s WAGs bring style, success and strength to the sidelines

From models and business owners to inspirational life stories, these women prove there’s more to rugby’s sidelines than just the game. As the Autumn Internationals heat up, expect these England rugby WAGs to bring just as much glamour as the players bring grit.