England head coach Steve Borthwick has implemented a ruthless overhaul of the squad since assuming charge in December.
Several players, some of whom were once regular starters or even vice-captains under Eddie Jones, have seen their international careers come to an abrupt halt.
Below are five players who have not been given a chance to feature under Borthwick’s leadership.
#1. Jack Nowell
With a move to France pending, the Exeter Chiefs flier went from vice-captain in the Autumn to being completely out of the squad for the Six Nations, reportedly without a phone call.
Brutal from Steve Borthwick, whose selection is reportedly being heavily influenced by RFU chiefs according to Eddie Jones.
Any chance of a recall seemed to go out the window in March as Nowell was fined £10,000 by the Rugby Football Union for criticising a refereeing decision on Twitter. The 30-year-old accepted his post prejudiced the game when appearing in front of an independent disciplinary panel.
Nowell said referee Karl Dickson’s decision to show Woodburn his second yellow card was “one of the worst decisions” he had ever seen.
Later, the winger, who has now confirmed a move to La Rochelle, formally pulled out of contention for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
