With England head coach Steve Borthwick set to name his Six Nations squad on January 23, time is fast running out for the 24-year-old to force his way into contention.
However, it has already been confirmed that England will be without two key players for their Six Nations opener.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
🚑 Will Stuart ruled out with serious injury
England prop Will Stuart has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that will leave the Bath forward facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old was forced off early in the second half of Bath’s Champions Cup win over Munster on Saturday, with the injury quickly described as “very serious.”
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan confirmed the severity of the setback:
“He’ll get operated on somewhere in the next few weeks and unfortunately with an Achilles there’s a long road ahead,” he told BBC Radio Somerset.
“Every injury is different, but for a prop just think about the amount of load that goes through your legs.”
Stuart featured from the bench in England’s autumn victories over Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, and is one of 25 players on Elite Player contracts for 2025–26.
He has 53 England caps to his name and earned a maiden British & Irish Lions call-up last summer, playing in all three Tests during the series win in Australia.
❌ Martin still sidelined after 11 months out
England are also set to be without Martin, who has not played for 11 months, last appearing in round two of last year’s Six Nations against France.
The Leicester forward has been sidelined by a nerve issue in his shoulder, an injury that continues to defy clear timelines.
Leicester head coach Geoff Parling said:
“It’s an injury you can’t put a date on. It certainly won’t be in the short, short term but he is improving.
“It’s one of those injuries which is a bit more unusual.”
After rest failed to resolve the issue, Martin underwent surgery in the summer, ruling him out of the first half of the season.
Progress has been slow, with his delayed return proving a source of frustration for club, country and the player himself— and leaving England light on options as the Six Nations looms.
EDITORS PICKS:
2026 Six Nations Fixtures Confirmed – England Handed Dream Start
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
France v Ireland – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 2:10pm
England v Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 4:40pm
Like this:
Like Loading…