Public fallout leads another England player to refuse to play under Borthwick

His treatment of Tom Willis ahead of the Aut

Club: Toulon (joined 2025)
Caps: 2

Mercer’s move back to France with Toulon ends any short-term England hopes. After tearing up the Top 14 with Montpellier and being crowned Player of the Year, his return to Gloucester was supposed to relaunch his Test career.

Instead, Borthwick barely looked his way. Now, by heading back across the Channel, Mercer has effectively ruled himself out of England selection under current RFU policy.

“I think we come here with no pressure of international rugby,” Mercer told the Telegraph.

“You are not worrying about being selected and wondering if your face fits in the environment. Over here, you are who you are and the only thing you worry about is playing well for the club. I do believe that is why so many guys have reignited their careers over here.

“There is so much pressure with England selection. If you are on that cusp and not fully in the team, sometimes the best thing to do is get away from it. Rugby is a short career. You are not going to play forever. With the likes of Tom, he played overseas before, and he was probably like ‘I don’t need that stress and mental negativity’. When you come to France, you can just enjoy your rugby.”

RUCK Verdict: England’s loss, Toulon’s gain — one of the most dynamic No 8s around.

Club: Saracens → Bordeaux Bègles (2025)
Caps: 8

Despite still being fully eligible for England, Tom Willis has effectively been blacklisted by Steve Borthwick after a phonecall in October .

The England boss has refused to pick the powerhouse No 8 for Autumn and will snub hum again for the 2026 Six Nations — even though Willis is on a £160,000 enhanced Elite Player Squad contract.

The 26-year-old will leave Saracens for Bordeaux Bègles next summer, but his omission from the latest training squad shows just how ruthless Borthwick can be. Willis starred for England last year, starting six Tests and carrying that form into the new Premiership campaign.

Former England international Austin Healey branded Borthwick’s stance “childish,” pointing out that Willis is England’s only true specialist No 8.

RUCK Verdict: Still eligible, still in form — yet frozen out. If this isn’t personal, it sure looks like it.

Club: Bath Rugby
Caps: 16

It’s been eight years since Cokanasiga first pulled on an England shirt. The comparisons to Jonah Lomu were unfair, but his blend of pace and power is still unmatched.

He’s shown flashes for Bath, but inconsistency and injuries have stopped him cementing a Test spot. Borthwick remains unconvinced.

RUCK Verdict: The fans adore him — the coaches don’t. Time is running out to prove them wrong.

Club: Leicester Tigers
Caps: 2

Hassell-Collins burst onto the scene with two caps in the 2023 Six Nations, only to vanish from the picture just as quickly.

There was even talk of a Wales switch through family heritage, but his recent England A appearance locks him into red-rose eligibility for now. Despite great form for Tigers, Borthwick isn’t biting.

RUCK Verdict: The raw pace and finishing are there — England just aren’t calling.

Club: Northampton Saints
Caps: 1

One of the Premiership’s best young flankers, Pearson continues to bang on the door. He’s excelled for Northampton but can’t seem to convince Borthwick he’s the man for the job.

Others have leapfrogged him into recent squads, leaving Pearson stuck on one cap since 2023.

RUCK Verdict: The potential is obvious — but the England back-row queue is brutally long.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

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