During his time as Leicester boss, Steve Borthwick has never been shy of taking a punt or two on talented young players and throwing them in at the deep end.
Much of the current squad will remain a part of England’s plans for that tournament, but could new talent emerge to challenge the established names for a place in the squad?
Here are five uncapped players who could push for a place in Borthwick's squad for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
#1. George McGuigan (Hooker)
In what was a shock move, McGuigan has recently left Newcastle Falcons to join Gallagher Premiership rivals, Gloucester.
The 29-year-old abrasive front-row forward has amassed over 180 caps in the Gallagher Premiership, across both Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers, and was named in England’s training squad in June 2022.
McGuigan is credited for his impressive try scoring abilities, which have seen him cross the whitewash seven times this season, including once at Kingsholm.
Gallagher Premiership Rugby player of the month for March is Newcastle Falcons, George McGuigan who poses with his Gallagher Player of the Month Trophy. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Gallagher
#2. Harry Potter (Winger)
Harry Wells of Leicester Tigers and Harry Potter of Leicester Tigers celebrates with the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Trophy during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
London-born and English-qualified, Potter was signed by Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2020 from Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels.
Harry lived in the UK for a decade before his family emigrated to Melbourne and he played at NSW Country Eagles and Melbourne Rising in Australia’s National Rugby Championship before signing a professional contract with the Rebels in 2019.
Since 2016, he also appeared for Sydney University in the Shute Shield competition under the guidance of Rob Taylor and played a starring role in the club’s back-to-back Premiership title-winning campaigns.
He made six appearances for Tigers after the restart of the Covid-hit 2019/20 season, claiming his first try in the Premiership game at Gloucester and then scoring in the European Challenge Cup semi-final in Toulon.
#3. Max Ojomoh (Centre)
An exciting player who consistently has supporters on the edge of their seats every time he receives the ball, Ojomoh plays for his hometown club Bath.
He joined the Bath academy at 14, and is son of Bath legend Steve Ojomoh who won 11 caps for England. The youngster credits Wales international Jamie Roberts for giving him a good understanding of the game on and off the pitch.
A key component of the clubs future, the centre graduated from the Academy in February 2022 alongside longstanding teammate Orlando Bailey.
Max Ojomoh of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and London Irish at the Recreation Ground on 21 May 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Alfie Barbeary (Number 8)
Alfie Barbeary of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Wasps at Sandy Park on 17 April 2021. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK
One of the most exciting young talents in the English game, Barbeary has been involved in a succession of England squads over the past few years and has made a name for himself in European competition and the Gallagher Premiership with Wasps.
Currently out injured with a hamstring strain, Barbeary signed a long-term contract with Bath last month after Wasps were forced to release their entire squad.
He marked his senior debut for Wasps with a try just three weeks after turning 18 and has continued his fine scoring form ever since, crossing the whitewash 10 times in 26 league outings since 2019.
In Europe, the Number 8 has produced several player-of-the-match performances, including a superb display against 2021 Heineken Champions Cup winners Toulouse, and has a 1:1 try ratio.
#5. Fin Baxter (Prop)
Described over the weekend as a generational talent, Baxter continually posed set-piece problems for opposing tighthead prop Biyi Alo as Quins overcame Racing 92.
Capable of playing on both sides of the scrum, the 20-year-old prop was the man of the match on a maiden first-team start that came in front of England scrum coach Matt Proudfoot.
Baxter began playing rugby at Cobham RFC at the age of five and made his England U18 debut against Scotland in 2018.
Recently signed a long-term contract extension to stay at The Stoop.
