The Six Nations is just around the corner, and with that of course comes plenty of excitement around the squad selections.
There will already be some names pencilled into Steve Borthwick’s notebooks, with the likes of Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell and Ollie Chessum all impressing on the domestic stage, but will there be any bolters thrown in at the deep end?
Plenty of young players have burst onto the scene this season, and could be in line for their first taste of international rugby, and as teams prepare for the 2027 World Cup, it could be the perfect time to bring in some fresh blood.
With that in mind, here are five potential bolters for the England squad this Spring:
Rusi Tuima
The Exeter Chiefs forward has moved up into the second-row this season, but he has taken to it like a duck to water. He still has all the skills developed whilst playing in the back-row, but as Rob Baxter said last week they are now amplified as highlights rather than what you would expect from a number eight. He also has the size needed to succeed in the test arena, and blooding him in this Six Nations could unleash a whole new beast. Tuima is a quality operator, and his form so far this season deserves some form of recognition.
Will Muir
‘The horse’ is a firm fan favourite at the Rec, but his red-hot form this season could see him given a shot on the test stage. Like his wing partner Cockinasiga, he is a big, powerful winger that has a keen eye for the try line, which could come in very useful for England this season. A big part of his game is also his hunger for work, and he is often seen making big carries to get his side back on the front foot. He faces stiff competition from other top class wingers, but he shouldn’t be overlooked
Fin Smith
Fin Smith has been involved with England before, but this season he has really staked a claim to make the match-day squad. He has been a standout player for table-topping Northampton this season, and has made the 10 shirt his own this season. He has come on leaps and bounds since his last involvement with England, and with George Ford being injured there is no reason Borthwick shouldn’t give him a phone call.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been one of the standout youngsters in the Premiership this season, and certainly looks to be the long-term option in the front-row. There is much debate over what side he should play on, but either way he is a fantastic scrummager and is already dominating some of the best in the league. He is still learning his trade though, so a stint in the England camp would go a long way in his overall development.
Curtis Langdon
Northampton Saints hooker Curtis Langdon is another player who has benefitted from time in the Top 14. The hooker moved to France for the end of last season following the collapse of Worcester Warriors, but upon his return to the Premiership this season with Northampton he looks like a completely different player. The 26-year-old is a powerful, aggressive player who makes plenty of work for himself around the pitch, and this would really suit the way England play. Furthermore, blooding in another hooker could allow for more options ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with Jamie George entering the twilight of his international career. Whilst he may still be a ‘bolter’, he already has two caps to his name, but his form this year could see him add to his tally.
