England’s preparations for the Six Nations have intensified after head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed a 36-player squad for the tournament.
Uncapped prop Vilikesa Sela has earned his first call-up after injuries to tightheads Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Will Stuart, while loosehead Emmanuel Iyogun and No 8 Greg Fisilau will also hope to contend for their first caps. Full-back George Furbank returns having not played for his country since November 2024 and played just six times for Northampton this season amid injury woe, but club colleague Fin Smith is included among a five-strong list of rehabbing players.
Hopes will be high in camp that England may build on an encouraging 2025 and challenge for a title that has eluded them since 2020, with Borthwick’s side arriving on an 11-match winning run. England open their tournament against a struggling Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 7 February, and also host Ireland in round three. A demanding away schedule sees them visit Scotland for the Calcutta Cup clash in Edinburgh in round two, before a trip to the continent to conclude the campaign with back-to-back fixtures against Italy and defending champions France, the latter of which could be a grand slam decider.
Follow all of the latest as the England squad is revealed with our live blog below:
England Six Nations squad announcement - live updates
- Steve Borthwick names England's Six Nations squad
- Uncapped props Emmanuel Iyogun and Vilikesa Sela included amid injury issues
- Full-back George Furbank returns to squad, but club colleague Fin Smith rehabbing
- England on an 11-match winning run and targeting a first Six Nations title since 2020
- Their first match is at home to hapless Wales on Saturday, 7 February
Steve Borthwick on George Furbank's return from injury
12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle“George has worked really hard to come back from injury. He had eight or nine weeks of consistent training, and then for two or three weeks had a little knock. he’s back on the grass and aiming to get game-time this week. It is a little while since he has been in an England squad. He plays 15 and also offers 10 cover. I’m delighted to be able to select him.”
Steve Borthwick on his England squad
12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle“I think that the squad has a fantastic blend to it. You’ve seen over the last period of time the consistency in selection and building of connection between players. You can see that out in the grass.
“We’ve got a senior group of Test players and young players who are doing really well, bringing their talent into the team. I’m really pleased for Billy Sela, a player of exceptional talent and potential. Greg Fisilau and Emmanuel Iyogun are both playing really well.
“Clearly, would we want all of the props fit and available? Yes. But it is one we’ve planned for. We’ve planned the depth chart and known who is ready to come in.”
Van Poortvliet hails England depth after Argentina tour
12:05 , Jack Rathborn"The quality and depth in the country at the moment drives performance, competition is really good, it was an unbelievable tour,” Jack van Poortvliet says on the Leicester Tigers Rugby Show.
“The boys who did well out there are continuing to wear the shirt and take a step forward.
“It's a great sign for people on the cusp, in and around the squad, if you get the opportunity, play well and you'll be rewarded."
Who are England's uncapped inclusions?
11:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleEmmanuel Iyogun: Northampton loosehead Iyogun has been involved in England squads before, but is yet to earn his first cap. The 25-year-old has developed considerably at Saints over the last few seasons, particularly as a scrummager, and has responded well to the challenge of Italy international Danilo Fischetti, signed in the summer.
Vilikesa Sela: Long tipped for big things, Sela has been trapped behind three international tightheads at Bath but still made a sizeable impression in his opportunities this season. Just 20, he follows Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Afolabi Fasogbon among young tightheads to make a quick transition from age-grade level to the senior set-up - the trio were all part of the England side that won the U20 World Cup in 2024.
Greg Fisilau: Fisilau has been back to his best this season as an uber-athletic No 8 for Exeter. He has been on the radar since breaking into the Chiefs first team during the 2023/24 season, and will push for a place in a competitive fight for back row places.
Uncapped trio included in England's 2026 Six Nations squad
11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England injuries
11:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleRehab: Ollie Lawrence, Fin Baxter, Fin Smith, Ben Curry,
Not considered for selection: Oscar Beard, Charlie Ewels, Curtis Langdon, George Martin, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Adam Radwan, Will Stuart,
England squad for 2026 Six Nations - backs
11:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleScrum halves: Ben Spencer, Alex Mitchell, Jack van Poortvliet.
Fly halves: George Ford, Marcus Smith
Centres: Fraser Dingwall, Seb Atkinson, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade.
Back three: Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Freddie Steward.
England squad for 2026 Six Nations - forwards
11:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleProps: Ellis Genge, Emmanuel Iyogun, Bevan Rodd, Joe Heyes, Vilikesa Sela, Trevor Davison.
Hookers: Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Theo Dan.
Locks: Maro Itoje (captain), Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, Arthur Clark.
Back rows: Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Henry Pollock, Sam Underhill.
England name 36-man squad ahead of Six Nations
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleUncapped trio Vilikesa Sela, Emmanuel Iyogun and Greg Fisilau have been called up to the England squad for the 2026 Six Nations.
Bath prop Sela provides tighthead depth and could press for a debut with Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour injured, while No 8 Fisilau has forced his way back into Steve Borthwick’s selection on the back of strong form for Exeter Chiefs. Iyogun appears to be the beneficiary of a foot injury to Fin Baxter, who is set to miss the first round of the tournament.
Full-back George Furbank is included despite an injury-hit season, with the Northampton captain hoping to earn a first England cap since 2024, while there are five centre options in a competitive fight for midfield places, along with a rehabbing Ollie Lawrence.
A settled selection reflects England’s strong recent form. Borthwick’s side enter the Six Nations on an 11-match winning run, and open their campaign against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 7 February.
England squad on the way...
11:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe England Six Nations squad is just five minutes away. We’re expecting a handful of uncapped inclusions, as well as a few injury issues...
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend recalls Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry for Six Nations
11:14 , Luke BakerScotland head coach Gregor Townsend has opted for experience and reliability by recalling forwards Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry.
In a 40-man squad of few surprises, the France-based pair were among the most notable inclusions given that they had not featured for the national team since last year’s championship.
Cherry, 35, was Scotland’s first-choice hooker in the 2025 Six Nations but appeared to have drifted out of contention after joining French second-tier side Vannes in the summer and then being omitted for the autumn series.
Bordeaux lock Gray started four of the Scots’ five championship matches last year but was not selected for either the summer or autumn campaigns.
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend recalls Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry for Six Nations
Italy suffer double injury blow as Six Nations squad revealed
11:05 , Luke BakerItaly have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the Six Nations with Ange Capuozzo and Sebastian Negri absent from a squad named by Gonzalo Quesada ahead of the tournament.
Toulouse full-back Capuozzo fractured a finger in the Top 14 side’s final game of 2025 and will miss a training camp in Verona, while Negri has not played for Benetton since October.
The pair were omitted from a 33-player squad on a list of injured players that also includes fly half Tommaso Allan, Exeter No 8 Ross Vintcent, hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi and back three man Jacopo Trulla.
Full-back Matt Gallagher, formerly of Saracens and Bath, has been recalled, while teenage wing Edoardo Todaro retains his place in the squad having made his international debut in November on the back of strong form for Northampton Saints.
Italy suffer double injury blow as Six Nations squad revealed
France stunningly drop Damian Penaud and Gregory Alldritt from Six Nations squad as Antoine Dupont returns
10:53 , Luke BakerFrance coach Fabien Galthie has made sweeping changes to his plans for the Six Nations, leaving Damian Penaud, Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou out of his 42-man squad as Antoine Dupont returns from injury.
The omissions of Penaud, France’s all-time leading try-scorer, former captain Alldritt and centre Fickou mark a major shake-up by Galthie ahead of the championship, signalling a clear shift in selection strategy.
Fly half Roman Ntamack was also left out of the squad after picking up an unspecified injury with Toulouse this month.
France drop Damian Penaud and Gregory Alldritt from Six Nations squad
Ireland face fly half decision in Six Nations as uncapped pair included in squad
10:40 , Luke BakerEngland are the final Six Nations team to name their squad, so have a quick spin round the other groups that have been named this week, starting with Ireland.
Harry Byrne will compete with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley for fly-half duties after being included in Andy Farrell’s 37-man squad.
Byrne comes into contention for the opener against France in Paris on 5 February having been included alongside his rival playmakers, as well as utility back Ciaran Frawley.
The 26-year-old won the last of his four caps in 2024 but has been in impressive form for Leinster since the autumn and is set to challenge the established order in the number 10 jersey.
Munster second row Edwin Edogbo and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak are the only uncapped players among the 37, who are led by No 8 Caelan Doris.
Ireland face fly half decision in Six Nations as uncapped pair included in squad
Jamie George sets retirement date after signing final contract with Saracens
10:23 , Luke BakerJamie George has signalled his intention to retire after the 2027 Rugby World Cup by signing a one-year deal with Saracens rugby.
The former England captain has renewed with his boyhood club for the 2026/27 season, with Saracens confirming that the hooker will bow out of the game later that year.
George has made more than 300 appearances since making his debut in north London as a teenager, and remains a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s national team after winning his 100th cap last year.
The 35-year-old has featured on three British and Irish Lions tours and appears set to target a tilt at the World Cup after his 17th and final season in a Saracens shirt.
Jamie George sets retirement date after signing final contract with Saracens
New Nations Championship finals could be ‘three-day Super Bowl’ of rugby – but Twickenham will need new pitch
10:02 , Luke BakerThe inaugural Nations Championship finals could be a “three-day Super Bowl” of rugby, according to the chief executive of England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) – though a whole new pitch of grass will have to be grown at Twickenham to cope with six games in three days.
The Allianz Stadium will host the first finals weekend of the new competition in 2026, with double-headers scheduled on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the last weekend of November.
Organisers hope that they can attract an improved television deal and commercial agreements by adding context to the July and November international windows, culminating in six play-off matches including a grand final at the home of English rugby. It replaces the Quilter Nations Series and traditional summer tours.
RFU claims Nations Championship finals could be ‘Super Bowl’ of rugby
Alex Sanderson confident Asher Opoku-Fordjour will bounce back
09:48 , Luke BakerSale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson is confident Asher Opoku-Fordjour will bounce back from the devastating shoulder injury that has ruled him out of the Six Nations.
“It is a real shocker for him, for us and for England,” said Sanderson of the 21-year-old.
“It takes a special kind of person to take on the psychological load of playing international rugby at tighthead at 19 or 20 years old.
“He already has that ability to handle, to reframe, to carry. Some people could go down rabbit holes, but he doesn’t. He just gets on with it. He is probably already looking ahead to how strong and fit and physical he is going to be when he comes back. That is the kind of character he is.”
Talking points: World Cup looms into view
09:33 , Luke BakerBorthwick has indicated that he will now only be putting time into players that he feels can play a role at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with time now tight to get caps into the core of that squad.
It may mean a tricky call or two is looming: Daly was given strong backing to make it in November, and Slade appears set to extend his Exeter contract to target a tilt at the tournament. Jamie George has gone a step further and announced his retirement nearly two years before it might happen – the hooker remains a top set-piece operator and leader.
The repairing of the talent pathways by the RFU means that talent seems to be emerging from every orifice, mind. It may be too soon for a Noah Caluori or Kepu Tuipulotu to supplant older options but things can change quickly; at this time last year, Henry Pollock was looking ahead to an U20 Six Nations.
Talking points: Lock stocks
09:15 , Luke BakerGeorge Martin appears set to miss the Six Nations having not featured for England since 8 February last year, leaving them short of second-row heft. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are well established as the preferred locking duo, and Alex Coles has begun to translate his Northampton form into more impactful international performances.
Beyond the trio, the landscape is rockier – Chandler Cunningham-South is seen as a lock option, although he has had limited game time at the position, while Charlie Ewels returned as a steady head at the end of November.
It is indicative, though, that even with Borthwick utilising a bench strategy that often involves bringing on five forwards together, England’s nominal lock replacement has generally been used sparingly – Ted Hill played 12 minutes across two appearances in last year’s Six Nations, while Cunningham-South’s involvement against the All Blacks amounted to three minutes.
Talking points: Back three balance
08:58 , Luke BakerThe possible deployment of Freeman in the centres may simplify the situation on the right wing, where Tom Roebuck would surely continue given his prowess as a kick retriever and the importance of the aerial contest in the game now. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso feels a certain starter, too, with Henry Arundell pushing probably for a peripheral role.
Do not rule out Elliot Daly continuing to be prominent, particularly with two-back benches in vogue, and the left-footer could even start at full-back. George Furbank might be the ideal occupier of that position but has endured a wretched injury run, while Marcus Smith is, right now, probably likelier to wear No 15 than No 10. Freddie Steward’s hard work to develop his skillset has left him as the man in possession.
Talking points: The midfield mix
08:45 , Luke BakerThe make-up of the midfield will have a bearing on much of the rest of the England side. There could be as many as six live contenders for starting shirts named in Borthwick’s squad: Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Seb Atkinson, Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh and Tommy Freeman.
Freeman’s development as a centre is a long-term project for player, club and country, and his recent form at Northampton suggests that England might be wise to utilise him in the 13 shirt he wore against Australia in November. Freeman’s workrate, lateral mobility and defensive decision-making are well liked in the outside centre channel, although Lawrence showcased his strengths in the win over New Zealand.
Is there still a role for Slade? The veteran has been outstanding for Exeter all season; Dingwall’s glue-like qualities might equally be favoured. Ojomoh’s assured start against Argentina indicated his blend of distributing acumen and carrying punch, while uber-athlete Atkinson impressed just about everyone on tour last July.
Talking points: Problems at prop
08:32 , Luke BakerHaving looked an area of developing strength after the autumn, three injuries instead make prop something of a problem position for Borthwick.
Will Stuart’s ruptured achilles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour’s untimely setback leave the England head coach without two of his top three tightheads, making Joe Heyes perhaps his most important cog entering the campaign, while loosehead Fin Baxter is likely to miss the first game at least as he works his way back to full fitness.
The good news for England is that Ellis Genge is in flying form at Bristol, and the prop cupboard is not as bare as it might have been after the retirements of Joe Marler and Dan Cole. Likely to fill the tighthead void are Trevor Davison, who has plenty of nous and toured the Americas last summer, and one of Vilikesa Sela or Afolabi Fasogbon, members of the same World Cup-winning Under 20s crop as Opoku-Fordjour.
Why England are missing a trick by not picking Tom and Jack Willis
08:15 , Luke BakerThe chuckle that spread through the Saracens onlookers told the story. It was about 10 minutes in to a gripping, gruelling Investec Champions Cup tie when a scuffle erupted near Toulouse’s 22, with players from both sides rushing in to join the fracas.
The tension was soon defused by the sight of one burly back-rower with another in a headlock – while usually a cause for escalation, here it was greeted with mirth given the identity of the two men involved.
Tom Willis released his grip eventually; sibling Jack responded with a brotherly shove. It might have been a scene the pair shared in formative days in their Reading backyard, but it served to encapsulate a significant win for Saracens – Willis the younger outdoing, just about, his bigger brother on a wretched night in north London.
One could entertain an argument that the Willis brothers were the two best players on the pitch. They were the sort of performances that would usually be assessed in a context of what is to come with the Six Nations near but it is certain that when Steve Borthwick won’t include a Willis.
Jack has been unavailable to the head coach since extending his stay at Toulouse in the wake of an injury-curtailed 2023 World Cup campaign in which he was little more than a bit-part figure, while Borthwick has decided not to pick Tom after his decision to leave the Prem at the end of the season – despite the No 8 possessing one of the 25 enhanced EPS contracts.
Why England are missing a trick by not picking Tom and Jack Willis
Fin Smith emerges as doubt for start of Six Nations with calf injury
08:06 , Luke BakerEngland fly half Fin Smith has emerged as a doubt for the start of the Six Nations after sustaining a calf injury.
Smith was a late withdrawal from Northampton Saints’s defeat to Bordeaux Begles in the Investec Champions Cup earlier this month and then missed their final pool fixture against the Scarlets on Sunday.
The 23-year-old is a real doubt for England’s opener against Wales.
“We’re still waiting to see how long that is from a scan point of view," said Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson.
“It’s probably minimum two weeks, but with a muscle injury it’s hard to give a timeline beyond that. It’s not months and months and he's not going to be back this weekend, so somewhere in between that.”
Fin Smith emerges as doubt for start of Six Nations with calf injury
England's Six Nations schedule
08:04 , Luke BakerHere’s how the Six Nations fixtures stack up for England this year.
It’s three away games and two at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
All times GMT
Saturday 7 February: England vs Wales (4.40pm, Twickenham)
Saturday 14 February: Scotland vs England (4.40pm, Edinburgh)
Saturday 21 February: England vs Ireland (2.10pm, Twickenham)
Saturday 7 March: Italy vs England (4.40pm, Rome)
Saturday 14 March: France vs England (8.10pm, Paris)
Five things to watch as Steve Borthwick names England’s Six Nations squad
08:02 , Luke BakerLet’s start with a bit of a primer. There’s decisions aplenty for Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff.
Our Rugby Correspondent, Harry Latham-Coyle, has run through the five biggest questions:
Five things to watch as Steve Borthwick names England’s Six Nations squad
England's Six Nations squad announcement
08:00 , Luke BakerWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of England’s Six Nations squad announcement. Steve Borthwick names his group for the 2026 championship with plenty of fascinating storylines to follow.
Stick with us for all the info.
