England Six Nations Squad 2025

[Vieux Talonneur]

Definitely possible, but just feels like there's been so much Steward-at-wing smoke that there must be a little fire somewhere
Steward actually has more starts at wing than Beard, as well, and SB definitely seems to like Smith at 15

I didn't really like the idea of Steward on the wing when we were kicking more and definitely not now. Fra might have a reputation for kicking long but they're not stupid enough to play to his one obvious strength. Anything we might gain is massively outweighed by potential downsides.

I can't believe Smith would ever seriously be considered for the starting 15 shirt.

 

[Geordie]

I just dont want to see Steward on the wing man....

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

I think Ireland prove Smith at 15 would be insane. When they spotted him there they would immediately drop a high ball on his head and either hit him with a bigger winger or contest in the air with a winger who is much more skilled at challenging for high balls than Smith is.

It's so typical of England, we have a player very skilled in a certain position so look to play him somewhere that barely plays to his strengths and exposed his weaknesses more.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

If Jack Willis gets selected for the Lions that will add to the pressure for the RFU to amend the selection rules.

No

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

No

Given the french season, it is also very unlikely that Willis will get selected, no matter how good he is.

 

[Which Tyler]

If Jack Willis gets selected for the Lions that will add to the pressure for the RFU to amend the selection rules.

No, it really wont.
When the stakes are "the survival of professional rugby in England" - the benefit of "1 player who might be in with a shot to challenge for the position with the most contenders in already" - somehow, it doesn't seem worth it.

 

[Half Pint]

Is anyone starting a thread on the candidates for the England Coach, to take then into World Cup '27?
D'ya think Mr Easterby would be available??

 

[IT157]

If Jack Willis gets selected for the Lions that will add to the pressure for the RFU to amend the selection rules.

I very much doubt one player will do that.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

No, it really wont.
When the stakes are "the survival of professional rugby in England" - the benefit of "1 player who might be in with a shot to challenge for the position with the most contenders in already" - somehow, it doesn't seem worth it.

That might be true but certainly elsewhere the majority only care about the international game and see the sport through those eyes.

 

[Geordie]

Is anyone starting a thread on the candidates for the England Coach, to take then into World Cup '27?
D'ya think Mr Easterby would be available??

Stuart Lancaster is free....

 

[Which Tyler]

That might be true but certainly elsewhere the majority only care about the international game and see the sport through those eyes.

And the England national team would also disappear down the pan if there aren't any English clubs producing players

 

[IT157]

That might be true but certainly elsewhere the majority only care about the international game and see the sport through those eyes.

Jack Willis is a great player. But selecting overseas players (he would really be the only one really) at the detriment of the premiership is nonsensical. Do you really think he would make that much of a difference in a position of strength? I could understand it a bit more if he was a world class 12....

 

[Lé Ddanno]

Why does every ******* thread have to feature this "debate"

 

[Which Tyler]

Why does every ******* thread have to feature this "debate"

Because 3-4 people just cannot let it go.
I don#'t mind having it, but it does get tiring in every EPS, squad for the next window, and match thread; and repeating the same old arguments ad nauseam.


ETA: Started a new thread, it probably won't work, but let's at least try to contain the discussion there, rather than dragging it into every thread about England.

The great "English rugby should / shouldn't select overseas based players" discussion.

Here you go - have at it; but pretty please, can we isolate the discussion to this thread, so that everyone else can quietly ignore it.

www.therugbyforum.com

 

[AlRums]

M.Smith is not a 15

Farrell was never a 12, but Jones and Borthwick both kept playing him there.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Farrell was never a 12

I mean....he was? Ever since he was playing early age grades he split his time between 10 and 12

You can argue that 10 was by far his best position, sure, but if someone has played a position over 50 times at the top level you can say it's one of their positions

 

[AlRums]

I very much doubt one player will do that.

British & Irish Lions 2025: Andy Farrell to-do list for Australia

Andy Farrell has switched from coaching Ireland to leading the British and Irish Lions - what are his priorities in his first days in the job?

www.bbc.com

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

I mean....he was? Ever since he was playing early age grades he split his time between 10 and 12

You can argue that 10 was by far his best position, sure, but if someone has played a position over 50 times at the top level you can say it's one of their positions

He also played 12 for the Lions - not like it was just Eddie being Eddie

 

[Geordie]

I mean....he was? Ever since he was playing early age grades he split his time between 10 and 12

You can argue that 10 was by far his best position, sure, but if someone has played a position over 50 times at the top level you can say it's one of their positions

And whilst many might not be huge fans of Farrell, he did the job pretty well...as a "stand in "

 

[TRF_Olyy]

British & Irish Lions 2025: Andy Farrell to-do list for Australia

Andy Farrell has switched from coaching Ireland to leading the British and Irish Lions - what are his priorities in his first days in the job?

www.bbc.com

What does that have to do with England?