England without TWELVE injured players for Six Nations opener against Wales
Rugby NewsSaturday, 24 January 2026 at 08:18
England men’s Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player training squad for the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship.
However, the head coach will be without TWELVE players for the opening clash with Wales, with injuries and rehabilitation commitments leaving Borthwick light on options in several key areas.
and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Rehabilitation in Girona
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Loosehead prop known for his mobility and work rate around the field. A fast-rising young forward who adds pace and handling to the front row.
Loosehead prop known for his mobility and work rate around the field. A fast-rising young forward who adds pace and handling to the front row.
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
Twin brother of Tom, Ben is a relentless openside flanker with a reputation for toughness at the breakdown and high defensive output.
Twin brother of Tom, Ben is a relentless openside flanker with a reputation for toughness at the breakdown and high defensive output.
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
Powerful centre who brings direct running and gain-line dominance. One of England’s most destructive midfield carriers when fit.
Powerful centre who brings direct running and gain-line dominance. One of England’s most destructive midfield carriers when fit.
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
Tall, athletic winger with a strong aerial game. A prolific Premiership try-scorer who offers finishing ability and physicality out wide.
Tall, athletic winger with a strong aerial game. A prolific Premiership try-scorer who offers finishing ability and physicality out wide.
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Calm, game-controlling fly-half with excellent kicking accuracy. Highly rated for his composure and decision-making despite his young age.
Calm, game-controlling fly-half with excellent kicking accuracy. Highly rated for his composure and decision-making despite his young age.
Not considered for selection
Oscar Beard (Harlequins)
Versatile back capable of covering centre and wing. Known for his pace and evasive running in broken play.
Versatile back capable of covering centre and wing. Known for his pace and evasive running in broken play.
Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
Experienced lock forward who calls lineouts and brings physical edge in tight exchanges. A regular squad presence over recent seasons.
Experienced lock forward who calls lineouts and brings physical edge in tight exchanges. A regular squad presence over recent seasons.
Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints)
Dynamic hooker with strong carrying ability. Offers impact around the fringes and high energy in open play.
Dynamic hooker with strong carrying ability. Offers impact around the fringes and high energy in open play.
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Explosive lock/loose forward hybrid. Valued for his power, athleticism, and ability to play across the pack.
Explosive lock/loose forward hybrid. Valued for his power, athleticism, and ability to play across the pack.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
Young prop with huge physical potential. Highly regarded for his scrummaging strength and long-term upside.
Young prop with huge physical potential. Highly regarded for his scrummaging strength and long-term upside.
Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers)
Electric winger famous for his acceleration and finishing instincts. A constant try threat whenever given space.
Electric winger famous for his acceleration and finishing instincts. A constant try threat whenever given space.
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Experienced tighthead prop who provides scrum stability and work rate. A trusted option at Test level when available.
Experienced tighthead prop who provides scrum stability and work rate. A trusted option at Test level when available.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Steve Borthwick ‘very positive’ verdict on Owen Farrell call-up decision
- Jonny Wilkinson makes shock rugby return with boyhood club – he’s still got it
- Mark McCall steps down at Saracens, replaced by former Springbok
- Louis Rees-Zammit p***es off American Football fans with comments
- Joe Marler reveals Celebrity Traitors pay — and his net worth
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading