England head coach Steve Borthwick has had some tough cals to make ahead of confirming his training squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup tomorrow.
Get your tickets to the Rugby World Cup matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace. Find out how by clicking here.
#1. Jonny May
Age: 32
Position: Winger
Caps: 72
The Gloucester speedster, who is England's second top try-scorer of all-time with 35, was another veteran who was unceremoniously axed by Borthwick.
With injury problems becoming more and more frequent, May won't be included in England's 2023 World Cup squad.
A poor season with Gloucester ended any hopes of an England recall, scoring five tries in 22 outings for his club
DID YOU KNOW? studied at Hartpury College, where he was a member of Hartpury College R.F.C., coached by Allan Lewis in a team that included future Wales and Lions wing Alex Cuthbert
Luke Cowan-Dickie of England, Kyle Sinckler of England, Jonny May of England and David Ribbans of England looks dejected after losing during the Autumn Nations International Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham, London on 26 November 2022 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#2. Val Rapava-Ruskin
Age: 30
Position: Loosehead-prop
Caps: 0
According to a source from RUCK, it is suggested that the Gloucester star, Rapava-Ruskin, was left puzzled when the England coach questioned his conditioning.
The source indicates that Rapava-Ruskin, who has been performing exceptionally well as a loosehead prop in the Premiership, stood up for himself by highlighting his outstanding statistics for his club.
Rapava-Ruskin, who is 30 years old, holds the top position in various statistical categories for props in the league this season. These categories include meters gained, dominant collisions, turnovers, line breaks, and offloads. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Round in Round 12.
Despite Rapava-Ruskin's impressive performance, the England coach, Borthwick, disagreed with his stance and opted to drop him in favor of Bevan Rodd, Ellis Genge, and Mako Vunipola. It is worth noting that Rapava-Ruskin could be the best uncapped player in the country at the moment.
Val Rapava-Ruskin of Gloucester Rugby as he goes over for a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Saracens and Gloucester Rugby at Stonex Stadium on 24 September. Photo: Frankie OKeeffe/PPAUK
#3. Joe Marler
Marler violated one of Steve Borthwick’s primary rules earlier this year, which is the "no sh**talking policy" for the England team.
Consequently, despite his impressive performance with Harlequins this season, he was excluded from the Six Nations squad.
Earlier this year, Marler received a six-week ban (with four weeks suspended) for making inappropriate remarks about Bristol flanker Jake Heenan's mother.
As he approaches his mid-30s, the possibility of Marler returning to international play appears increasingly improbable.
#4. Billy Vunipola
Age: 30
Position: Number 8
Caps: 64
Borthwick excluded Powerhouse No8 Vunipola from the Six Nations squad, opting for Alex Dombrandt from Harlequins and Sam Simmons from Exeter as specialists.
Vunipola made a return to the England squad last summer under Eddie Jones and played in the autumn Test series.
However, in Borthwick's first selection, he made significant changes, resulting in Vunipola being among several experienced players left out.
With Zach Mercer set to return to England this summer, yet another recall for Billy, who is still recovering from a knee injury, is starting to look very unlikely.
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
#5. Jonny Hill
Age: 28
Position: Lock
Position: Lock
Caps: 13
A favorite of Eddie Jones, the Sale Sharks lock is in danger of losing his place on the England squad due to the emergence of Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum.
Getting back into the England set-up will not be easy, as Northampton Saints’ David Ribbans is also playing well.
Fun fact: Hill is the nephew of former Rugby league international Paul Loughlin.
