Tom Willis<\/p>\n
Club:\u00a0Saracens \u2192 Bordeaux B\u00e8gles (2025)
Caps:\u00a08<\/p>\n
Despite still being fully eligible for England, Tom Willis has effectively been blacklisted by Steve Borthwick after a phonecall in October .<\/p>\n
The England boss has refused to pick the powerhouse No 8 for Autumn and will snub hum again for the 2026 Six Nations \u2014 even though Willis is on a \u00a3160,000 enhanced Elite Player Squad contract.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old will leave Saracens for Bordeaux B\u00e8gles 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.<\/p>\n
Former England international Austin Healey branded Borthwick\u2019s stance \u201cchildish,\u201d pointing out that Willis is England\u2019s only true specialist No 8.<\/p>\n
RUCK Verdict:\u00a0Still eligible, still in form \u2014 yet frozen out. If this isn\u2019t personal, it sure looks like it.<\/p>\n
Joe Cokanasiga <\/p>\n
Club:\u00a0Bath Rugby
Caps:\u00a016<\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s shown flashes for Bath, but inconsistency and injuries have stopped him cementing a Test spot. Borthwick remains unconvinced.<\/p>\n
RUCK Verdict:\u00a0The fans adore him \u2014 the coaches don\u2019t. Time is running out to prove them wrong.<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n