Ollie Hassell-Collins was the first player to make his England debut under Steve Borthwick. Three years later, he has just two caps to his name.
The Leicester Tigers winger was handed his opportunity against Scotland in February 2023, with Borthwick beginning a new era at Twickenham.
But his international career stalled almost immediately.
And he is far from alone.
From a Bath centre linked with a move to France to a number eight dropped despite still being eligible, several big names have fallen out of favour under the England boss.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, here are six England players who have found themselves on the outside looking in.
1. Ollie Hassell-Collins – Borthwick's first debutant
- Club: Leicester Tigers
- Position: Winger
- England caps: 2
- Last Test: February 2023
Hassell-Collins looked set for a bright international future when Borthwick handed him his debut against Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations.
The former London Irish winger started England's opening two matches against Scotland and Italy.
But that was as good as it got.
He was dropped from the starting XV and subsequently missed out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
Despite continuing his career with Leicester Tigers, Hassell-Collins has been unable to force his way back into the senior England side, and even thought about swapping nations to play for Wales.
The emergence of Tommy Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Arundell has made competition on the wing even tougher.
Three years after becoming Borthwick's first debutant, he is still waiting for cap number three.
2. Max Ojomoh – France move now on the cards
- Club: Bath Rugby
- Position: Centre
- England caps: 2
- Latest development: Linked with a move to France
Ojomoh's England situation is becoming increasingly difficult to explain.
The Bath playmaker delivered a Player of the Match performance against Argentina in November 2025, scoring a try and providing two assists.
It looked like the breakthrough he needed.
Instead, he has struggled to establish himself in Borthwick's plans.
Ojomoh was included in England's recent training camp while Seb Atkinson was injured, but subsequently missed out on the main squad.
And his international future could now become even more complicated.
According to French publication Midi Olympique, Ojomoh has been offered to several Top 14 clubs ahead of next summer.
A move across the Channel would make him ineligible for England under the RFU's overseas selection policy.
3. Ollie Lawrence – From regular starter to losing his contract
- Club: Bath Rugby
- Position: Centre
- Major setback: Lost his enhanced England contract
Lawrence was once one of Borthwick's most trusted midfield options.
His powerful carrying and defensive work made him an important part of England's plans following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
But his position has changed dramatically.
In August 2026, Lawrence was among five players to lose their enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts.
The decision came as Borthwick reshaped his squad ahead of the next World Cup.
Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson was among those rewarded with a new deal.
Losing an enhanced contract does not prevent Lawrence from representing England, but it was a clear indication that his position in the pecking order had changed.
4. Tom Willis – Dropped before becoming ineligible
- Club: Bordeaux-Bègles
- Position: Number eight
- Major setback: Overlooked after agreeing his France move
Willis is arguably the most controversial name on this list.
The powerful number eight established himself as an important England player during the 2025 Six Nations.
His performances for Saracens were rewarded with an enhanced England contract.
But everything changed when he agreed to join Bordeaux-Bègles.
Despite still being eligible while playing for Saracens, Willis was left out of England's October 2025 training squad.
Borthwick instead prioritised players who would remain available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Tom Willis of England during the 2025 Guinness 6 Nations match England vs France at Allianz Stadium,, Twickenham, United Kingdom, 8th February 2025
(Photo by Craig Thomas/News Images)
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The decision sparked criticism, with former England international Austin Healey describing the treatment of Willis as "childish".
Now playing in France, Willis is ineligible under the RFU's overseas selection policy unless an exception applies.
The biggest frustration for supporters was that Willis had been overlooked before his move actually made him ineligible.
5. Zach Mercer – Returned to England for nothing
- Club: Toulon
- Position: Number eight
- England caps: 2
- Major setback: Never selected by Borthwick
Mercer returned to English rugby with one major ambition.
He wanted to play for England again.
After winning the Top 14 Player of the Year award with Montpellier, the back-rower joined Gloucester in 2023.
His ability to carry, offload and create opportunities made him one of the most exciting attacking forwards in the Premiership.
But Borthwick remained unconvinced.
Mercer missed out on England's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and never earned an international appearance under the head coach.
He eventually returned to France, joining Toulon in 2025.
That move ended his immediate England ambitions under the overseas eligibility rules.
Mercer came home to revive his international career, but never got the opportunity he wanted.
6. Joe Cokanasiga – The winger compared to Jonah Lomu
- Club: Bath Rugby
- Position: Winger
- England caps: 16
- Major setback: Unable to establish himself under Borthwick
Cokanasiga was once tipped to become one of England's most destructive attacking players.
At around 6ft 4in, the Bath winger combines extraordinary power with impressive pace.
His physical attributes even prompted comparisons with All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu.
Joe Cokanasiga cuts a frustrated figure during England duty. (Credit: IMAGO / Inpho Photography)
But his international career has never quite taken off.
Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress, while England's growing collection of talented wingers has increased competition.
Cokanasiga was involved in preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup but missed out on the final squad.
Since then, he has struggled to regain a regular place in Borthwick's plans.
With Freeman, Feyi-Waboso and Arundell among the options available, his route back looks increasingly difficult.
