Tom Willis
Club: Saracens → Bordeaux Bègles (2025)
Caps: 8
Despite still being fully eligible for England, Tom Willis has effectively been blacklisted by Steve Borthwick after a phonecall in October .
The England boss has refused to pick the powerhouse No 8 for Autumn and will snub hum again for the 2026 Six Nations — even though Willis is on a £160,000 enhanced Elite Player Squad contract.
The 26-year-old will leave Saracens for Bordeaux Bègles next summer, but his omission from the latest training squad shows just how ruthless Borthwick can be. Willis starred for England last year, starting six Tests and carrying that form into the new Premiership campaign.
Former England international Austin Healey branded Borthwick’s stance “childish,” pointing out that Willis is England’s only true specialist No 8.
RUCK Verdict: Still eligible, still in form — yet frozen out. If this isn’t personal, it sure looks like it.
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.
Like this:
Like Loading…