Jamie George named England captain as Sinckler and Billy Vunipola axed
Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola are the glaring omissions from Steve Borthwick’s new-look England squad for the forthcoming Six Nations with Jamie George confirmed as captain.
Sinckler endured a difficult World Cup campaign with England – particularly off the bench in the narrow semi-final defeat by South Africa – and is said to be closing in on a move to the Top 14 next season. Vunipola was similarly marginalised in France and both stalwarts are omitted as Borthwick overhauls his squad at the start of the new World Cup cycle.
Accordingly, there are seven uncapped players selected in the 36-man squad – the Harlequins duo of Chandler Cunningham-South and Oscar Beard as well as Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots. Northampton’s Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall are also included – two of seven Saints selected – as well as Sale’s Tom Roebuck.
There are also recalls for Henry Slade – overlooked for the World Cup squad – as well as his former Exeter teammate Luke Cowan-Dickie, while Alex Dombrandt and Ben Spencer also make their returns to the fold after missing out in France. Slade’s return is reward for his fine form while Cowan-Dickie has established himself at Sale after overcoming a complicated neck injury.
George is confirmed as captain after after agreeing a two-year extension to stay at Saracens. It is believed the 33-year-old was on the verge of agreeing a move to the Top 14 towards the end of last year but having been persuaded to stay with the help of the Rugby Football Union – the hooker is the first confirmed recipient of an enhanced contract – he has been selected as Owen Farrell’s successor as captain.
“Last week Steve asked me to be captain for the upcoming Six Nations and I accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm,” said George. “I love playing rugby for England. I hope that everyone has seen how much it means to me, I have never shied away from that. I am so excited about where this team can go and bringing the fans on that journey with us is something that I care about deeply.
“I believe I’m at the stage of my career where I can give my all to the captaincy and give my best on the pitch. I don’t underestimate the challenge ahead. Owen is a fantastic motivator and tactician, and we will undoubtedly miss his leadership. But I have got brilliant people around me, many of whom have won major tournaments, and utilising the great experience we have within the group is going to be crucial.
“The squad is in a great place to build off some really strong performances at the Rugby World Cup and I look forward to getting started and welcoming some new faces to camp.”
With Farrell absent along with Courtney Lawes, Jonny May, both Vunipolas and Ben Youngs – as well as a clutch of players who have moved to France – the squad selected represents a new broom for Borthwick. Feyi-Waboso is an eye-catching selection given his form for Exeter while George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, Tom Pearson and Beno Obano are also rewarded for recent performances with their clubs.
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Quick GuideEngland squad for the 2024 Six Nations
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Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester, 18 caps) Dan Cole (Leicester, 107 caps) Alex Coles (Northampton, 3 caps) Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale, 41 caps) Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped) Ben Curry (Sale, 5 caps) Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps) Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps) Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps) Ellis Genge (Bristol, 58 caps) Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps, captain) Joe Heyes (Leicester, 7 caps) Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps) Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps) Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps) Beno Obano (Bath, 3 caps) Tom Pearson (Northampton, 1 cap) Ethan Roots (Exeter, uncapped) Will Stuart (Bath, 33 caps) Sam Underhill (Bath, 30 caps).
Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped) Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps) Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps) Fraser Dingwall (Northampton, uncapped) Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter, uncapped) George Ford (Sale, 91 caps) Tommy Freeman (Northampton, 3 caps) George Furbank (Northampton, 6 caps) Ollie Lawrence (Bath, 21 caps) Alex Mitchell (Northampton, 11 caps) Tom Roebuck (Sale, uncapped) Henry Slade (Exeter, 57 caps) Fin Smith (Northampton, uncapped) Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps) Ben Spencer (Bath, 4 caps) Freddie Steward (Leicester, 31 caps).
Rehabilitation: George Martin (Leicester), Manu Tuilagi (Sale), Anthony Watson (Leicester), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).
“Building on the foundations of what we achieved at the Rugby World Cup, I have selected a squad that provides strong continuity and experience, whilst providing an opportunity to develop the talent of a number of new and less-experienced players,” Borthwick said.
Sinckler has been hampered by an adductor injury of late but Bristol were hopeful that he would fit for this weekend’s Champions Cup fixture against Connacht. He is also absent from the rehabilitation list which features George Martin, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet and Raffi Quirke. Billy Vunipola, meanwhile, is another who may struggle to add to his current caps tally and has been linked with a move abroad at the end of the season.
England open their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on 3 February.