Joe Cokanasiga \u2013 Eight years later, still on the fringes<\/p>\n
This summer marks EIGHT years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into an England squad. His blend of power and pace drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu, and at just 19, he looked set for a long international career.<\/p>\n
Yet, despite earning 14 caps, he has never been able to cement a regular starting role. A surprise recall before the 2023 World Cup ended in disappointment, as he was cut after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales. Despite some strong performances for Bath this season, Borthwick remains unconvinced.<\/p>\n
The England boss reportedly gave Cokanasiga areas to improve on, but with no recall in sight, his international future remains in doubt.<\/p>\n
Ollie Hassell-Collins \u2013 Ignored by England, wanted by Wales<\/p>\n
Hassell-Collins looked like a long-term England winger when Borthwick handed him his debut in 2023. However, after just two caps in last year\u2019s Six Nations, he has completely vanished from England\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n
Not only was he ignored for the current Six Nations squad, but he was also left out of the England A side that faced Portugal. Instead, Warren Gatland has taken notice, with the Wales boss openly discussing Hassell-Collins\u2019 eligibility to switch allegiances.<\/p>\n
The Leicester Tigers winger himself has admitted he could be tempted to play for Wales. Speaking to\u00a0The Telegraph, he said:\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve got two caps for England, and obviously I\u2019m English. But if I don\u2019t see anything in the next few years then it\u2019s definitely something that I would consider.\u201d<\/p>\n
Could England be about to lose him to their biggest Six Nations rival?<\/p>\n
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