Zach Mercer<\/p>\n
Club:\u00a0Toulon (joined 2025)
Caps:\u00a02<\/p>\n
Mercer\u2019s move back to France with Toulon ends any short-term England hopes. After tearing up the Top 14 with Montpellier and being crowned Player of the Year, his return to Gloucester was supposed to relaunch his Test career.<\/p>\n
Instead, Borthwick barely looked his way. Now, by heading back across the Channel, Mercer has effectively ruled himself out of England selection under current RFU policy.<\/p>\n
RUCK Verdict:\u00a0England\u2019s loss, Toulon\u2019s gain \u2014 one of the most dynamic No 8s around.<\/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
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