Uncapped Trio Boost England Rugby Squad Amid Injury Crisis

England rugby fans received a fresh dose of anticipation and intrigue on January 23, 2026, as head coach Steve Borthwick unveiled his 36-man training squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship. With the opening clash against Wales at Twickenham just around the corner on February 7, Borthwick’s selections signal both continuity and bold new directions for the national side. Notably, the squad features three uncapped players—Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela, Emmanuel Iyogun, and Greg Fisilau—each thrust into the spotlight amid a spate of injuries that have tested England’s front-row depth and overall squad resilience.

The headline news is the inclusion of Bath’s 20-year-old tighthead prop Sela and Northampton Saints’ 25-year-old loosehead Iyogun, both yet to earn a Test cap, alongside Exeter Chiefs’ dynamic back-rower Fisilau. Their call-ups come as England grapples with a mini injury crisis, particularly among the props. Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour is sidelined following shoulder surgery, while Bath’s Will Stuart suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in December, ruling both out for the entirety of the championship. Harlequins’ Fin Baxter, another promising front-rower, remains in rehabilitation for a foot injury and is unlikely to feature in the opener, though he’s part of the group traveling to Spain’s Girona for a pre-tournament training camp.

To bolster the prop ranks, Borthwick has also recalled 33-year-old Trevor Davison of Northampton, who joins established names like Ellis Genge (with a hefty 75 caps), Joe Heyes, and Bevan Rodd. It’s a mix of experience and raw potential, and Borthwick isn’t shying away from the challenge. “We’ve picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership and exciting potential,” he said after the announcement at Twickenham. “The margins in the Six Nations are incredibly fine so our aim over the coming days is to come together quickly, prepare thoroughly, and make sure we’re ready to perform.”

The back row also sees a shake-up. Exeter’s Greg Fisilau, praised by Borthwick for his “work rate, gainline-busting ability and slick handling,” steps into the void left by Tom Willis, who has returned to club rugby in France, rendering him ineligible under the Rugby Football Union’s policy. Fisilau’s inclusion is a testament to his form and the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to handle the pressure of international rugby. “A very talented, athletic rugby player,” Borthwick remarked, highlighting the young forward’s rise through the ranks.

As the squad prepares for Girona, several key players remain under injury clouds. Fly-half Fin Smith, centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Tom Roebuck, and back-row Ben Curry are all rehabbing alongside Baxter, with their availability for the Wales opener uncertain. Lawrence and Baxter, in particular, are not expected to be fit for Twickenham. The depth of England’s squad, something Borthwick has focused on building over the past 18 months, is about to be put to the test.

Meanwhile, fullback George Furbank makes a notable return despite a stop-start season plagued by calf problems and previous arm injuries. He’s played just four matches for Northampton this season and hasn’t featured for England since 2025. Nevertheless, his “superb” decision-making and ability to read the game have earned him another shot, with Borthwick lauding his capacity to “see space, process what is the right thing to do and execute it as quickly and as accurately as he can.”

In the backs, the competition for places is fierce. Tommy Freeman, now considered "very much a centre" by Borthwick, will vie with Max Ojomoh, Lawrence, and Henry Slade for the No.13 jersey, while the likes of Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Cadan Murley, Furbank, and Freddie Steward round out a potent back three. Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Mitchell, and Ben Spencer form the scrum-half trio, with George Ford and Marcus Smith the only two fit fly-halves as Fin Smith continues his recovery.

Despite the injury setbacks, Borthwick’s optimism is palpable. England is riding an 11-match unbeaten run in Test rugby, though the Six Nations title has eluded them since 2020. The coach has set high expectations, telling his squad he wants them to reach the final round in Paris on March 14 with a grand slam on the line. “We want England fans flooding across the Channel to Paris, to come and watch the team in a massive encounter in the final round with the opportunity to achieve what we want,” Borthwick declared, adding that the only way to get there is by “ensuring each of you take each step one at a time and get our preparation right.”

The squad’s blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents has drawn praise from pundits and supporters alike. Captain Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, George Ford, and Alex Mitchell provide a backbone of experience, while rising stars like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Arundell, Henry Pollock, and Max Ojomoh inject youthful exuberance and fresh ideas. According to ESPN’s James Regan, “This is a squad, that, despite a couple of key injuries, can win the Six Nations. Off the back of a promising autumn with wins over Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, the next step for this side is to win the Six Nations.”

Omitted from the squad are some notable names, including former captain Owen Farrell and teenage wing Noah Caluori, signaling a new era and a focus on form and fitness. The decision to leave out Farrell, in particular, underscores Borthwick’s willingness to make tough calls as he seeks the right blend for success.

The tournament schedule is a gauntlet: after opening against Wales, England travel to Scotland, then host Ireland, before heading to Italy and finally taking on defending champions France in Paris on Super Saturday. With the championship expected to be tightly contested—Borthwick noted that the last seven Six Nations have gone down to the final round—every match will count, and every player will have a role to play.

As the Six Nations approaches, the mood in the England camp is one of cautious optimism and steely determination. Injuries may have forced Borthwick’s hand, but the opportunity for new heroes to emerge is undeniable. England fans, dust off your passports—Paris may yet be calling for a grand slam showdown.