England to unleash electric winger in Six Nations after five-year absence

Adam Radwan’s form for Leicester Tigers has been nothing short of electric, yet his international future remains uncertain despite mounting evidence that he is playing some of the best rugby of his career.

Radwan has already crossed the whitewash six times in the Prem this season, continuing the rich vein of form he found after his move from Newcastle Falcons to Welford Road late last campaign.

His impact at Leicester was immediate, and he saved some of his most memorable moments for the business end of last season, including a spectacular, Superman-like finish in the semi-final win over Sale Sharks.

That flair was again on show in Tigers’ thrilling 36–28 victory over Saracens at the weekend. Radwan opened his account with an acrobatic finish in the corner before doubling his tally with a sharp intercept, showing not only his searing pace but also his growing defensive awareness.

While speed has always been his calling card, his all-round development was also evident as he powered straight through Elliot Daly, underlining an increase in physicality to complement his natural attacking instincts.

Despite this form, Radwan faces fierce competition for an England jersey. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are both established as elite Test wingers, while Tom Roebuck’s aerial prowess has made him a trusted option at international level. Roebuck’s current injury issues could open the door, but even then selection is far from guaranteed in such a crowded back-three picture.

Radwan himself remains characteristically grounded amid the external noise. Speaking after Leicester’s latest win, the winger made it clear where his priorities lie. “There’s loads of unbelievable wingers, but genuinely the only thing I’m focused about is playing for Leicester,” he said.

“That’s it really for me. Playing here is incredible. I absolutely love it. There’s nowhere else I’d rather play and I think whatever comes off the back of that comes off the back of that. At the minute, I’m just loving playing for Leicester and every time I put a Leicester shirt on, I try and play as best as I possibly can purely for our supporters and everyone here.”

His head coach Geoff Parling echoed the growing sense that Radwan is pushing his way into England contention through sheer consistency. “I reckon I’ve been asked that question after most games this season,” Parling said when asked about Radwan’s international prospects.

“Make it so he cannot be picked. That’s a challenge to any player – play so well consistently that a coach can’t not pick you because he’s a great talent. But we’ve got other guys as well… No, I’m very pleased with Radders.”

Radwan is no stranger to the international stage. He made his England debut in July 2021, announcing himself in emphatic fashion with a hat-trick in a 70–14 win over Canada at Twickenham. Later that year he featured in the Autumn Nations Series, starting against Tonga and scoring inside three minutes of a dominant 69–3 victory.

Those two caps remain his only senior appearances, but at 28, and arguably a more complete winger than ever, he looks well placed to add to that tally.