DAVID RIBBANS

David Ribbans emerged as one of the more late-blooming but highly dependable additions to England’s second row during the Eddie Jones era, built on years of steady development in South Africa and a reputation for relentless work rate. Raised in Somerset West, he progressed through Western Province age-grade rugby despite not being a standout schoolboy, earning his pathway the hard way through persistence and physical development rather than early hype.

After breaking into senior rugby with Western Province and later with the Stormers setup, Ribbans moved to Northampton Saints in 2017, where he quickly established himself as a core squad member. Over six seasons he passed 100 appearances, becoming known for his heavy defensive workload, physical carries and consistency in the tight exchanges. His performances helped Saints return to the top table, and he featured in their run to the Premiership semi-finals before departing in 2023.

International recognition arrived late but decisively under Eddie Jones, with Ribbans making his England debut in 2022 against Japan. He added further caps under Steve Borthwick, featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played in the pool stages and later appeared in England’s bronze-medal win over Argentina, finishing the tournament with 11 caps in total.

After the 2023 RWC, Ribbans ended his England career with an overseas move to Toulon in the French Top 14, where he maintains his profile as a powerful set-piece lock. Looking ahead, there has been growing speculation that he could pursue a potential international eligibility switch back toward South Africa ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, adding an intriguing twist to a career that has already spanned two hemispheres and now sits at a potential crossroads.

TOMMY FREEMAN

Tommy Freeman’s rise to one of England’s most dangerous wide threats has been built on relentless development, positional flexibility, and a growing knack for scoring in decisive moments. Released by Leicester Tigers at 16, he rebuilt his pathway at Northampton Saints, making his senior debut in 2019 and gradually evolving from promising back-three option into a Test-level winger and occasional centre.

Freeman’s club career has accelerated sharply in recent seasons. He played a key role in Northampton’s 2023–24 Premiership title win, scoring in the final against Bath, and became increasingly influential in Europe, including decisive tries in knockout wins over Munster, Clermont, Castres and Leinster. By 2025–26, Freeman had developed into one of the Saints’ primary strike runners, producing multiple multi-try performances, including hat-tricks against Saracens and Bath, and a four-try display in a single Premiership fixture.

Internationally, Freeman was fast-tracked under Eddie Jones, making his England debut in 2022 during the tour of Australia and featuring in the series win over the Wallabies. After a brief absence from the Test scene, he returned under Steve Borthwick and became a consistent attacking weapon in the 2025 Six Nations, scoring in every round of the championship and finishing as one of England’s standout performers.

This form earned Freeman selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia under Andy Farrell, where he won three caps in a breakthrough Lions campaign. Now firmly established at Test level, Freeman’s rapid ascent has been recognised with a shortlist nomination for the 2026 England Men’s Player of the Year award, underlining his status as one of England’s premier attacking talents.