Steve Borthwick has never been afraid to make hard-line selection calls as England head coach — but his methods are increasingly under scrutiny.
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His handling of Tom Willis has ignited fresh debate, with TNT Sports pundit Austin Healey branding it “childish” to overlook in-form players in key positions.
From a once-untouchable fullback to a dominant No.8 and a winger once likened to Jonah Lomu, these are the high-profile names who have fallen out of favour under Borthwick.
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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. The England boss has refused to pick the powerhouse No 8 for the rest of the season — 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.
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