The RFU are set to give head coach Steve Borthwick the go-ahead to name a New England captain for the 2023 Six Nations.
The new boss spent seven years as predecessor Eddie Jones’ right-hand man for both Japan and England before becoming director of rugby at Leicester Tigers.
He prefers to keep a low profile, which could make some aspects of the England job more challenging, but he has experience with the team, and recent success at Leicester, winning the Premiership in 2022.
New captain incoming:
Despite his fiery personality, RUCK sources suggest new England coach Borthwick is set to hand Ellis Genge the armband ahead of the 2023 Six Nations’ kick-off next month.
One of the most dynamic props in England, the Bristol-born forward made his debut for his country as a replacement in a 27-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in 2016.
Genge was included in the squad for England’s 2016 touring party to Australia and won the 2016/17 Land Rover Discovery of the Year award. A former No 8, the ex-Old Redcliffians’ player, was educated at John Cabot City Technology College and led Hartpury College to two AASE Championship titles.
The powerful forward was born in Knowle, Bristol, and cites the biggest influence on his career as his father Richard. Ellis represented England U17, U18 and U19 before figuring in eight matches for the U20 side in 2015, including the World Rugby Championship final against New Zealand.
Genge then became a regular member of England squads under Eddie Jones and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Ellis Genge facts:
He started playing rugby aged 12 at Old Redcliffians
Genge, who is currently on England duty in the Six Nations, shares a link with boxing legend Muhammad Ali via his grandmother.
The now world-class prop began his career in the back-row
Genge has developmental coordination disorder, also known as Dyspraxia
The prop gifted the mobility scooter he used when recovering from a knee injury to a older Leicester Tigers supporter who really needed it
Sir Clive Woodward selects England XV to ‘win the Six Nations’
The former England head coach is backing new head coach Steve Borthwick to get England on a roll by calling up the in-form Premiership stars.
“England can absolutely win the Six Nations and the World Cup. The more I think about it, the more excited I am about Steve Borthwick’s appointment as head coach,” wrote Woodward.
“I’m hugely excited for England’s first game with Scotland. Borthwick is in a good position to bring immediate improvement to the team because the pressure is off him and the only way is up after a disappointing last three years.
“Borthwick needs to nail down who he wants in his starting 15, but especially the key positions of 10, 12 and 13. He has to get the culture right.
“I’d like to see form Premiership players like Ollie Hassell-Collins and Ben Earl given a chance and bring a fresh, youthful vibrancy to the England set-up. Since the 2019 World Cup, Jones picked virtually the same players almost regardless of their club form.
“I think that will change under Borthwick and his selection for the Scotland game is an opportunity to really lay down a marker.”
Sir Clive Woodward England XV
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
- 11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
Woodward wrote: “’”There are some serious speedsters in the Premiership and I don’t think Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell and Jonny May are at the top of the pile.
“I’d love to see him pick from guys like Tommy Freeman, Adam Radwan, Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins.”
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
