#4. Jack Walker
Joining the front row collective at the England camp, is a Harlequins hooker who is wise beyond his years. At just 26-years-old, Walker has been under the tutelage of Wales and British Lions legend Adam Jones, since arriving from Bath in the Summer of 2021.
He has since been learning the subtle advantages in the scrum, and how to best utilise his power around the pitch. Walker has established himself as a consistent name on the team sheet, when Tabai Matson and co write down their front row for the weekend.
No stranger to leadership roles at a young age, Walker has the accolade of being the youngest ever captain of his previous club, Leeds Tykes. At just 17 years of age, Walker stepped up and led his side out, who then went under the name of Yorkshire Carnegie, in the 2014/15 RFU Championship. Walker also has the accomplishment of being the youngest ever forward to play first team rugby at Harlequins.
Being shot into the spotlight at a young age speaks volumes of Walker’s England potential. Now in his mid-20s, the Harlequins hooker is ready and prepared to make the step up onto the international stage. A last twenty minute run-out, would see Walker fit to burst with adrenaline, so expect some impact scrummaging and an eagerness to carry in the white shirt.
#5. Fin Smith
The Northampton Saints back is another young star, who is hoping to make his international debut in the upcoming Six Nations. At just 20-years-old, Borthwick is looking to fast-track Smith towards his first England cap, as the talented fly half is also eligible to play for Scotland. Smith’s Grandfather was the late Tom Elliot, the Scottish International prop, who also represented the British and Irish Lions.
Smith is certainly a prospect talent for the future, and under the leadership of Owen Farrell, he can grow exponentially as a player. Similarly to Marcus, Fin Smith enters his first opportunity to represent England as a young fan favourite number 10, but could leave the Six Nations as a more experienced, wiser player.
Saint’s Director of Rugby Phil Dowson recognises Smith’s talents, and has rewarded the young fly half with consistent game time and match day responsibilities. Since signing in October of last year following the financial fall of Worcester Warriors, and a cameo appearance at Ampthill, Smith has eight caps for Northampton, and has already scored 70 points for the men in green and black.
Smith became the youngest ever player to start for Worcester Warriors, as he led from the front against Bath at just 18-years-old. A talented graduate of the England Under 18s and Under 20s, Smith has ran out in the age group representative Six Nations before, but aspires for a full debut this coming competition.