England Forwards Depth Chart: Nations Championship

England’s forward depth chart for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests faces significant pressure due to injuries to key players like Will Stuart and Trevor Davison. According to Planet Rugby, Joe Heyes is expected to lead the tighthead position, while Ben Earl remains the primary choice at number eight as Steve Borthwick manages a depleted pack.

Managing the England forward injury crisis

Heading into the summer Tests against the Springboks, Fiji, and Argentina, England’s pack is in a complicated position. While the unit was a highlight of the Six Nations—particularly the scrum—a wave of injuries has forced Steve Borthwick to reconsider his selection strategy.

Planet Rugby reports that several key forwards are expected to miss the upcoming campaign. Fin Baxter is sidelined with a foot injury, Bevan Rodd is dealing with a shoulder issue, and both Will Stuart and Trevor Davison are out due to Achilles and knee concerns, respectively.

Back row dynamics: Versatility is king

Borthwick is moving away from a rigid structure, opting for a more fluid back-row unit. This shift suggests a move toward players who can offer both physical presence and tactical flexibility.

The Number Eight hierarchy

Ben Earl of Saracens remains the clear standout at number eight. Planet Rugby notes that Earl has been a consistent performer, starting almost every Test since November. His ability to carry in broken field and shift into the midfield provides a layer of attack that England heavily relies on.

If Greg Fisilau is fit following a facial injury sustained against Leicester, he is the most logical second choice. The Exeter Chiefs man is described as a near-perfect replacement for the unavailable Tom Willis, mirroring Willis’s playing style and statistics. Other contenders include Henry Pollock, Alex Dombrandt, and Chandler Cunningham-South.

Flankers and the ‘big bopper’ strategy

A major tactical question involves how Borthwick utilizes his flankers. While he has previously used traditional “number sevens,” there is a growing trend toward deploying a “big bopper” at blindside.

Ollie Chessum of Leicester is a prime candidate for this role. Moving the Leicester man to the back row could provide England with an extra lineout option and more freedom to inject himself into the game. Meanwhile, Henry Pollock is enjoying a “purple patch” and could potentially secure a long-term starting shirt at openside.

The engine room and front row stability

The second row and front row selections will likely hinge on Borthwick’s flanker decisions, but certain names remain central to the squad’s identity.

Lock depth and the Saracens connection

If Chessum moves to the flank, the top of the lock depth chart shifts to Maro Itoje and George Martin. This Saracens pairing has a proven track record at the Test level. They offer a balance of grunt and intensity that is essential for the tight exchanges.

Alex Coles is also expected to be a major factor following his return to fitness with Northampton. His lineout work is considered a significant weapon for the English set-piece. Arthur Clark and Chandler Cunningham-South provide additional depth in the second row.

Solving the tighthead dilemma

With Will Stuart and Trevor Davison unavailable, the tighthead position is a priority. Joe Heyes of Leicester is the locked-in starter for the summer. Planet Rugby highlights that Heyes has been one of England’s best players, offering an attacking dimension to the scrum rather than just acting as a traditional anchor.

Asher Opoku-Fordjour of Sale is the primary backup. Even though he has played loosehead recently, his attacking scrummaging style fits the England system perfectly. Other options include Vilikesa Sela, Afo Fasogbon, and George Kloska.

Future-proofing the hooker position

With veteran Jamie George set to retire in a year, England is looking toward the next generation. While George remains the most experienced and high-quality option, a transition is clearly in the works.

Jamie Blamire of Leicester is positioned as a likely successor. His recent form suggests his game has reached a new level, offering the “steel” England needs in the middle of the pitch. Theo Dan and Kepu Tuipulotu are also being integrated via the 42-man alignment camp to ensure long-term stability.

Frequently Asked Questions