Joe Marchant has been recalled to the England rugby squad for the first time in three years as preparations continue for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests next month. The 30-year-old centre and wing, who recently returned to Premiership Rugby after moving from Stade Français to Sale Sharks, last played for England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Marchant’s inclusion comes amid a number of changes and considerations within the England camp ahead of their matches against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Despite Marchant’s return, his club teammate Courtney Lawes has been omitted from the squad.
Also earning a spot is Gloucester centre Will Joseph, younger brother of former England international Jonathan Joseph. Joseph has impressed for Gloucester this season and re-enters the national setup after earning his only cap on the 2022 tour of Australia under previous head coach Eddie Jones.
England head coach Steve Borthwick faces challenges in the centre position following injuries to Benhard Janse van Rensburg and recent absence of Seb Atkinson, who missed Gloucester’s match against Bath with a knee issue described by the club as minor. Atkinson is listed among players attending rehabilitation sessions alongside Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Guy Pepper. As a result, the centre options include Max Ojomoh, Joseph, Marchant, Fraser Dingwall, and Henry Slade.
In the forwards, Ben Curry has been called up for the first time since 2025 after regaining fitness with Sale. However, Chandler Cunningham-South of Harlequins remains sidelined due to injury. Exeter’s Greg Fisilau, who is yet to earn an England cap, retains his place in the squad. Gloucester lock Arthur Clark is included as a reward for his strong club performances, while Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu is one of three hookers selected, with Theo Dan notably missing out.
At scrum-half, Northampton duo Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland have been preferred alongside Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet. Ben Spencer and Harry Randall have both been left out. The fly-half options are Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, and George Ford. Competition for the starting full-back spot will be between Freddie Steward and George Furbank. The wings include Cadan Murley, Noah Caluori, and Tommy Freeman.
Up front, Will Stuart returns to the England squad for the first time since 2025 following recovery from an Achilles injury.
The full 36-player training squad gathered at Pennyhill Park on Tuesday, with the training camp scheduled to conclude on Thursday. England’s fixtures in the Nations Championship will see them face Australia, Japan, and New Zealand on consecutive weekends, with a final match slated for Allianz Stadium yet to be confirmed.