England 2025/26

[Which Tyler]

Been very quiet on the England front. Unusual build up to for Borthwick considering his love for announcing squads, doesn't he usually have a training squad, then a pre squad and then the actual squad by now.

First time for age that we're not having pre-tournie training camp - same happened ahead of the AIs, players all available for their clubs - though IIRC they had a 1 day camp to sit in meetings and see the medics

 

[NickBD]

Rodd and Furbank are back now,

Roebuck due back this/next week - I think he'll be in the squad
Burry is apparently fit again now but we will have to see if the RFU sign him off to play this week (same with Roebuck, though Roebuck said, when doing comms for the SA Sharks game, that this week would be touch and go but definitely fit the following, so I'd expect him not to be selected and go right into camp)

If thats the case I think Rodd will take Sela spot. SB only takes 5 props and Iyogun has been selected in squads before and can play both sides. Burry will take Fislau spot, this might not make sense player for player but you've seen SB squads. How many times does he pick 5 7s with 1 blind side and no 8s. Furbank/Roebuck will be in for Hendy/Carpenter.

This is what I think SB does btw. I still would pick Sela, Seb Atkinson and Carpenter.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Manny Itogun can’t play both sides and Furbank is not back from injury yet.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Manny Itogun can’t play both sides and Furbank is not back from injury yet.

Oops, my mistake - for some reason I thought he played vs Bordeaux

I think we'll have six props but one of them will be the injured Baxter, if he's due back within the first week or two

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Oops, my mistake - for some reason I thought he played vs Bordeaux

I think we'll have six props but one of them will be the injured Baxter, if he's due back within the first week or two

Apparently it’s a calf issue which kept him out earlier in the season but this time it’s both calves without a fix.

Worrying for a player his age and coming out of contract.

 

[NickBD]

Itogun has played emergency tight head before of the bench. Not saying he actually good there or will get any game time. Doesn't matter regardless he'll be the 5th choice prop imo.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

Jamie George is retiring next year and I am not sure if he is planning to be willing to go to the World Cup. I am wondering if the timing of this might be linked to the Six Nations squad being announced.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Yeah, timing is a bit odd. Hard to think 6N selection is an issue although SB does need to get a clear idea of back up hookers.

LCD turns 34 in summer 27. He and George made their debuts within days of each other in 2015, their careers have been entwined and there would be a certain symmetry in them waltzing off into the international sunset together after the RWC. Definite vacancies even if LCD does play on for a bit.