Luke Cowan-Dickie stood down from rugby with immediate effect

Monday, 06 April 2026 at 08:35

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick has been handed a major concern ahead of England’s blockbuster July Test against South Africa at Ellis Park, with two of his front-row options now in serious doubt.

Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed that both Luke Cowan-Dickie and Bevan Rodd are expected to miss the remainder of the season following injuries sustained at the weekend.

The pair were hurt during Sale’s 26-17 victory over Harlequins in London — a result that secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals but came at a significant cost.

Cowan-Dickie, who scored twice in the win, is believed to have suffered a broken wrist or forearm, while Rodd dislocated his shoulder during the same match.

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Front-row crisis looming for England?

Both players are now facing a race against time to be fit for England’s summer tour, with the clash against the Springboks looking increasingly unlikely.

“I think that’s probably their season over,” Sanderson said post-match.

“Luke is a tough lad and he believes he’s broken his wrist or forearm.

“Bevan dislocated his shoulder but had it put back in on the field, but I think that’s probably their season over, with the summer tour for England also in jeopardy.”

With England set to take on the world champions in one of the toughest fixtures in international rugby, Borthwick may now be forced to look elsewhere in his front row stocks as preparations ramp up for the tour.

Springboks Dominate 2026 World XV

Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.

15 Thomas Ramos

Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France’s match winning kick in the Six Nations.

Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.

He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.

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14 Louis Bielle-Biarrey

At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux’s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.

From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.

Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.

13 Tommaso Menoncello

Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.

Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.

At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.

Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.

12 Stuart McCloskey

McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.

Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.

With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.

It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.

11 Cheslin Kolbe

Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.

While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.

A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.

Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.

10 Finn Russell

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.

Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.

Over the summer he became the Lions’ main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.

Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.

At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.

9 Antoine Dupont

Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont’s status as rugby’s benchmark.

His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.

The only player to win both of rugby’s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.

Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.

1 Ox Nche

Springbok prop Ox Nche has built his reputation on raw power and excellent scrummaging technique.

Compact and explosive, his lower centre of gravity gives him a clear advantage against taller opponents.

Beyond the set piece, he contributes through tireless defence and surprising mobility around the field.

He also became the first prop to be nominated for World Player of the Year in 2025.

2 Malcolm Marx

The global benchmark for hookers now belongs to Malcolm Marx.

Powerful in contact, relentless in his work rate and destructive at the breakdown, he has redefined expectations for the position.

After being crowned World Rugby Player of the Year, he became only the second hooker after Keith Wood to win the men’s 15s award and the first since 2001.

Starting 11 of South Africa’s 14 Tests last season and scoring five tries, he played a major role in a campaign where the Springboks retained the Rugby Championship and lost only twice.

3 Joe Heyes

Leicester Tigers tighthead Joe Heyes has emerged over the past year to establish himself among the best in his position.

His scrummaging has improved significantly and is now one of his biggest strengths, a vital area for any prop.

Alongside his set piece work, he still contributes strongly around the field and was one of the few England players who consistently rose to the challenge during the Six Nations.

4 Eben Etzebeth

One of rugby’s most intimidating figures, Eben Etzebeth has anchored the Springbok pack for more than a decade.

With over 130 caps, the towering lock has led through physical dominance and relentless competitiveness.

A World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his presence elevates those around him.

Although he is currently serving a ban for an eye gouge on Alex Mann, no player during the Six Nations did enough to displace him from this team.

5 Tadhg Beirne

There appears to be little that Tadhg Beirne cannot do.

Whether playing in the second row or at blindside flanker, he remains essential to Andy Farrell’s Ireland side.

He led the Six Nations in lineout steals, topped the tournament for jackals and turnovers won, and ranked among the leading tacklers.

His relentless work rate provided a strong foundation for his team throughout the competition.

6 Siya Kolisi

Few leaders in world sport carry the influence of Siya Kolisi.

Rising from humble beginnings to become South Africa’s first black captain, he lifted the Rugby World Cup in both 2019 and 2023.

His leadership reaches far beyond the field, symbolising hope and unity for millions.

Kolisi combines relentless work rate with emotional intelligence on the pitch, while his journey and character shape a legacy that extends well beyond rugby.