Attention is beginning to turn to next years 2023 Rugby World Cup, with England boss Eddie Jones already preparing for the tournament next autumn.
Following their loss in the 2019 final, a number of outlets attempted to predict how the men in white will line-up in France.
Most of the picks, in fairness, are pretty bang on. However, some players chances of being involved are looking slim to nothing.
#1. Joel Kpoku
- Age: 23
- Club: Lyon
- Position: Lock
- Current caps: 0
Rugby World: “The next star off the Saracens production line may be Kpoku, although the lock has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints due to the presence of Itoje, George Kruis and Nick Isiekwe at his current club. An incredibly hard-hitting carrier in the mould of Eben Etzebeth, a selection in the coming months would not be surprising.”
Where is he now? The a one-time Eddie Jones call-up and an age-group team-mate of Marcus Smith is enjoying new lease of life in east France with Lyon.
#2. Stuart Townsend
- Age: 27
- Club: Exeter Chiefs
- Position: Scrum-half
- Current caps: 0
RUCK: “A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott. However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up.”
Where is he now? Has been in and out of the Exeter side due to injury and will be ruled out until 2023 following his latest knock
