Zach Mercer

Club: Toulon (joined 2025)
Caps: 2

Mercer’s move back to France with Toulon ends any short-term England hopes. After tearing up the Top 14 with Montpellier and being crowned Player of the Year, his return to Gloucester was supposed to relaunch his Test career.

Instead, Borthwick barely looked his way. Now, by heading back across the Channel, Mercer has effectively ruled himself out of England selection under current RFU policy.

RUCK Verdict: England’s loss, Toulon’s gain — one of the most dynamic No 8s around.

Joe Cokanasiga

Club: Bath Rugby
Caps: 16

It’s been eight years since Cokanasiga first pulled on an England shirt. The comparisons to Jonah Lomu were unfair, but his blend of pace and power is still unmatched.

He’s shown flashes for Bath, but inconsistency and injuries have stopped him cementing a Test spot. Borthwick remains unconvinced.

RUCK Verdict: The fans adore him — the coaches don’t. Time is running out to prove them wrong.

CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE

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