Vunipola lined up for surprise England recall this summer

With injuries, form changes and squad reshuffles in play, a number of experienced players may find themselves back in contention this summer, adding intrigue to selection conversations across nations.

Since Leicester Tigers confirmed the return of Mako Vunipola to England from French club Vannes, speculation has grown about whether he could feature for England again.

The prop is a former England international and British and Irish Lion, with nine Test appearances across three tours.

With England’s second-choice loosehead Bevan Rodd out injured for the rest of the season and likely beyond the summer, there may be a need for an experienced short-term option.

Any involvement would likely be temporary, as he is expected to pursue a coaching role with Tonga at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. His brother Billy Vunipola could also be involved as a player.

Scotland international back-row Hamish Watson recently joined Leicester Tigers on a short two-month loan from Edinburgh and has performed steadily at Welford Road, keeping him on the edge of outside international consideration.

Although a return to Scotland selection is unlikely, the 34-year-old brings significant experience and could still serve as a useful squad option. He was selected in the British & Irish Lions 37-man squad for the 2021 tour of South Africa.

During that tour, he played in the opening match against the Sigma Lions at Ellis Park, scoring a try early on and earning man of the match honours.

After strong performances in warm-up games, he also appeared off the bench in the first Test, helping the Lions secure a 22-17 win. His most recent Scotland appearance came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Rassie Erasmus named a 49-man Springboks squad ahead of an initial alignment camp held in Cape Town from March 3 to 6.

The group included 11 uncapped players and five Junior Boks, all being introduced to the standards expected at international level as preparations intensify for upcoming challenges.

One notable inclusion was Frans Malherbe, who is among 14 Rugby World Cup winners in the squad. He has not played internationally since 2024 due to ongoing back and neck issues.

The 76-cap tighthead is now 35. If fully fit, he would still offer Erasmus a highly experienced and reliable option in the front row.

Former England captain Courtney Lawes has effectively brought himself back into the international conversation after signing for Sale Sharks for the 2026–27 season.

The 37-year-old second row won three Six Nations titles and featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final during a distinguished 14-year England career before stepping away from Test rugby after the 2023 tournament.

At club level, he spent most of his career with Northampton Saints, winning two Premiership titles, before moving to French side Brive in 2024.

He was part of England’s 2016 Grand Slam-winning squad and later helped secure further Six Nations titles in 2017 and 2020.

Lawes played in four World Cups, including the 2015 campaign that ended in a pool-stage exit, and the 2019 tournament in Japan where England reached the final but lost to South Africa.

His final England appearance came in the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat, again against South Africa.

Owen Farrell continues to be linked with an England return after rejoining Saracens from Racing 92 at the start of the season, restoring his international eligibility.

He captained England from 2018 to 2023 and, although primarily a fly-half, often played at inside centre at Test level.

With more than 1,200 Test points and over 100 caps, Farrell is among the highest scorers in international rugby and holds scoring records for both England and Saracens.

He stepped away from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup following his move to Racing 92, but his return to England rugby remains a topic of ongoing discussion.