Let's hope we're aiming a little higher than replicating the England ******* football team
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England 2025/26
- Thread starter TRF_Olyy
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Charlie Ewels sent off again
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Lots of people saying they have a good chance of being Champions
Lots of people say that every tournament
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Changing the subject slightly, I saw an article on Rugby Pass picking out the next 5 players to be capped by the All Blacks and thought it was worth discussing what that might look like for us.
My list would be:
Afo Fasogbon Stuart and AOF’s injuries create an obvious gap at Tighthead. Heyes will need understudies and, having been in the touring party in Argentina, Davison and Fasogbon look to be the most likely candidates. Davison is already capped, but it seems likely one of Fasogbon or Sela will be in the mix to pick up some game time in the 6N. From a form POV, Sela probably edges it. However, I’m going for Fasogbon given the time he’s already had in camp.
Nathan Jibulu After LCD and George, there’s a significant drop off. Dan seems to have retained his place as 3rd choice, but I can see Jibulu and Tuipolotu making an increasingly strong case for inclusion. I’ve gone for Jibulu on the basis that he’s getting more regular game time to push for selection.
Ben Bamber We lack big beasts and Bamber could provide important bulk and work rate. I wasn’t a particular fan until recently, but he’s converted me with his performances this season. It looks like something has really clicked and I’d regard him as a very, very interesting prospect who offers something a bit different to the rest of our lock options.
Emeka Ilione But for a badly timed injury, it might have already happened. The back row battle is unbelievably tough but if he can pick up where he left off pre-injury, I think he’s a serious contender who Borthwick clearly rates.
Noah Caluori I’m still a bit hesitant about the speed of the hype train, but with Freeman looking great at 13 and Roebuck struggling for fitness, there could be an opening for a winger who excels in the air. He’s obviously very much on the radar, so I think a cap is a matter of time.
Honourable mentions: Vilakesi Sela, Kepu Tuipolotu, Charlie Bracken, Greg Fisilau, Emmanuel Iyogun
My list would be:
Afo Fasogbon Stuart and AOF’s injuries create an obvious gap at Tighthead. Heyes will need understudies and, having been in the touring party in Argentina, Davison and Fasogbon look to be the most likely candidates. Davison is already capped, but it seems likely one of Fasogbon or Sela will be in the mix to pick up some game time in the 6N. From a form POV, Sela probably edges it. However, I’m going for Fasogbon given the time he’s already had in camp.
Nathan Jibulu After LCD and George, there’s a significant drop off. Dan seems to have retained his place as 3rd choice, but I can see Jibulu and Tuipolotu making an increasingly strong case for inclusion. I’ve gone for Jibulu on the basis that he’s getting more regular game time to push for selection.
Ben Bamber We lack big beasts and Bamber could provide important bulk and work rate. I wasn’t a particular fan until recently, but he’s converted me with his performances this season. It looks like something has really clicked and I’d regard him as a very, very interesting prospect who offers something a bit different to the rest of our lock options.
Emeka Ilione But for a badly timed injury, it might have already happened. The back row battle is unbelievably tough but if he can pick up where he left off pre-injury, I think he’s a serious contender who Borthwick clearly rates.
Noah Caluori I’m still a bit hesitant about the speed of the hype train, but with Freeman looking great at 13 and Roebuck struggling for fitness, there could be an opening for a winger who excels in the air. He’s obviously very much on the radar, so I think a cap is a matter of time.
Honourable mentions: Vilakesi Sela, Kepu Tuipolotu, Charlie Bracken, Greg Fisilau, Emmanuel Iyogun
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From the AIs squad:
Isiekwe --> Bamber
Kenningham --> Ilione
I don't think Caluori is ready yet tbh, would be better served staying in the U20s this season
It's gonna be interesting to see who plays 8 in the 6N - Pollock starting at 8 (with Chick at 6) and both Currys starting at 8 (with Vermeulen on the flank, and EvR moving there when they're subbed) makes me think that call has come from the central contracts
I reckon it'll be Pollock
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Well I’m talking about the whole of 2026 so I would expect injuries etc. to play their part rather than the players I mentioned directly replacing anyone.
For example, Fasogbon and/or Sela are much more likely to get a cap in the 6N as a result of Stuart and AOF’s injuries.
For example, Fasogbon and/or Sela are much more likely to get a cap in the 6N as a result of Stuart and AOF’s injuries.
I think tight head prop and maybe lock are the only two areas we may see new caps. But then with the amount of time before a World Cup we may just see Davidson and Ewels back in the frame. SB has built really good depth in post areas or in others we know who the cover is.
Yeah I think Ewels will definitely stay around the squad, especially if T.Dan is about (there was an article a couple of weeks ago that said he was brought in for the Argentina game to basically babysit Dan at the lineout)
Depends what goes on with his current injury though - think I saw that he now has an infection in the injury? Same thing happened to Josh Beaumont and he was out for about 2yrs from initial injury to final recovery (surgery --> infection --> second surgery --> back)
Depends what goes on with his current injury though - think I saw that he now has an infection in the injury? Same thing happened to Josh Beaumont and he was out for about 2yrs from initial injury to final recovery (surgery --> infection --> second surgery --> back)
Wishfulthinker580
Academy Player
Pardon my ignorance. Will Ben Earl play in the 6N?
Yeah, very likely as a starter - if not then almost definitely on the bench
Barring injury, yes
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I think we will stick with Earl starting and Pollock on the bench, maybe switching for 1 game
Bbc and Chiefs having a push for Fisilau in a recent article.
Feel he's in the 'good player with a stacked England back row in front of him' camp. Maybe one for the A games.
From a Saints pov Hendy might get a look but wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Not sure how SB currently sees Ollie Sleightholme. Guessing wider squad possibly
Yeah I can definitely see that - I somehow completely forgot about Earl when I mentioned potential 8s earlier
Think he's in the driving seat ATM
Yeah I rate him really highly but it's hard to see who you drop, especially with Ilione on the fringe (if he's back by the 6N) - only 22yrs old though, not likely it's do or die for his international career ATM,
Keep him in the A side, call him up if/when there's an inevitable injury or two
15 is another interesting position - Carpenter looked great on his return from injury, if he continues on like this up to the 6N he'll really be knocking on the door, but then Furbank is back now, so a bit of a logjam there too
Think, realistically, Carpenter needs an injury to Steward to be in with a realistic shot of a 6N spot.
Do wonder whether Furbank being back might see M.Smith drop out, especially if his form doesn't improve (realistically: probably not, he's always been in/around the first choice 23 for SB)
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FTFY.
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I really rate Batley and the fact he captained the A side as recently as last month isn’t insignificant. He just has a very bad habit of getting injured every time he looks set for a call-up.
