Full Breakdown
England’s Nations Championship squad: injury woes and selection dilemmas for Steve Borthwick
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Borthwick unveils 36-man squad amid injury setbacks
England head coach Steve Borthwick announced a 36-player training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship. The list features a core of experienced internationals—Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Ollie Chessum, George Ford, Freddie Steward—and three uncapped players: hooker Kepu Tuipulotu, back-rower Greg Fisilau, and scrum-half Archie McParland. At the same time, several key candidates are sidelined: fly-half Fin Smith (calf injury), Bath flanker Guy Pepper (limp), Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson (rehabilitation), Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg (concussion), and back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South (ankle surgery). The injuries force Borthwick to reshuffle midfield and back-row options just weeks before England’s first test on November 8.
Background & Context – Preparing for the 2027 World Cup
With less than a year remaining until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Nations Championship serves as the final competitive platform for England to cement a World Cup-ready core. The squad follows a July Test series that produced two wins from three matches and arrives amid criticism that Borthwick has limited time to overhaul the team after a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier in the year.
Data & Statistics – Squad composition and injury list
- Total squad: 36 players (20 forwards, 16 backs).
- Uncapped inclusions: Kepu Tuipulotu (hooker, Bath), Greg Fisilau (back-row, Exeter Chiefs), Archie McParland (scrum-half, Northampton Saints).
- Injured or unavailable: Fin Smith (calf, Northampton Saints), Guy Pepper (hamstring/leg, Bath), Seb Atkinson (knee rehab, Gloucester), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (concussion, Bristol), Chandler Cunningham-South (ankle, surgery).
- Returning veterans: Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Ollie Chessum, George Ford.
- Key versatile players: Joe Marchant (centre, Sale Sharks) and Will Joseph (centre/wing, Gloucester) are highlighted for their ability to cover multiple back-line positions.
Official Statements & Responses – Borthwick’s rationale and player perspectives
He noted that the squad’s balance of experience and youth is intended to provide stability while still allowing room for emerging talent. Sale centre Joe Marchant reflected on his recall, saying his childhood dream of wearing the England shirt “has never changed.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Inconsistent information on certain omissions
While most sources list Theo Dan among the excluded players, a few outlets do not mention him at all, creating uncertainty about whether his omission was a deliberate tactical choice or an oversight in reporting. No official comment from the England coaching staff clarifies the rationale.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Part of the problem right now is that Steve feels he is under pressure to get results, so it is too late to make big changes,” — Chris Ashton
What’s Next – Upcoming fixtures and squad finalisation
England’s Nations Championship schedule is set for November 8 against Australia, November 14 versus Japan, and November 21 versus New Zealand, with a concluding weekend of matches later in the month. The three-day training camp at Pennyhill Park runs through the early part of the week, after which Borthwick will trim the 36-man group to a final matchday squad. The fitness of Fin Smith and the recovery progress of other injured players will heavily influence selection decisions for the opening test.