England head coach Steve Borthwick has set a clear deadline for his players to secure their spots ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, emphasizing that they have nine international matches remaining to impress. Speaking at a training camp in Bagshot this week, Borthwick outlined the importance of the upcoming fixtures as the final opportunities to compete against southern hemisphere opposition before the tournament.
England’s schedule includes four matches in November and five fixtures during the Six Nations Championship. Following those contests, Borthwick plans to announce the final 33-man squad for the World Cup after one of three warm-up games set for the summer of 2027. He stressed that he would not be expanding the training squad beyond those who are currently in contention, making the coming games critical for players vying for selection.
Fly-half Fin Smith remains under observation as he recovers from a calf injury. Borthwick indicated Smith would have until the following Wednesday to demonstrate his fitness ahead of England’s Nations Championship game against Australia, scheduled for Sunday week. In contrast, centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, sidelined due to concussion protocols, and flanker Guy Pepper, out with an ankle injury, will be unavailable for the entire autumn international series.
Borthwick also touched on the potential return of Courtney Lawes, keeping the door open for the experienced forward to rejoin the squad. The camp included 36 players, with thirteen participants recently involved in a heated East Midlands derby between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints. The match, which Leicester won 28-7, saw an on-field altercation escalate into a physical confrontation off the pitch. Tigers’ Ollie Chessum pushed Saints’ flanker Henry Pollock near the dressing room stairs, sparking tension.
Despite the incident, Borthwick highlighted the resilience and camaraderie within the group, noting that players can compete fiercely on the field while maintaining strong relationships off it. He praised the intensity, passion, and pride shown during matches, emphasizing that such qualities are essential for the England jersey moving forward.
As the squad prepares for a demanding series against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand ahead of a finals weekend, Borthwick’s message is clear: the upcoming games will determine which players earn their place on the plane to Australia in 2027.