With the start of the 2026-27 Champions Cup approaching and England’s Nations Championship campaign just weeks away, national coach Steve Borthwick is preparing to name his first autumn training squad later this month. Following a difficult 2026 that included England’s poorest Six Nations finish and a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick may be considering fresh talent to bolster the squad.
As injuries and form concerns impact key positions, several uncapped players have emerged as potential disruptors to the current lineup. Among these is George Hendy, a 23-year-old wing and full back for Northampton, who has consistently found the try line, including twice in last season’s Premiership final. His strong start to the current season, where he has already scored three tries, highlights his offensive threat.
The hooker role has come under scrutiny given the advancing ages of long-term stalwarts Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who are 35 and 33 years old, respectively. Nathan Jibulu of Sale could challenge for that position, offering a youth option for the front row.
Jack Bracken, a wing for Saracens and son of former World Cup-winning scrum-half Kyran Bracken, could also enter England’s senior squad discussion. His brother Charlie has already featured for England, pointing to a strong rugby pedigree.
Newcastle’s flanker Max Hicks, who moved to English rugby from French club Perpignan this summer, adds depth in the back row alongside Bristol’s Fitz Harding. Harding, 27, faces stiff competition in a position already rich with talent, but his Premiership form keeps him in contention.
At Northampton, full back James Pater made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick in the season opener, while fellow Northampton player Archie McParland, 21, is emerging as a rival to England’s current first-choice scrum-half, Ben Mitchell.
Sione Va’enuku, a centre for Saracens with a background in Rugby League for the Sydney Roosters, represents a less conventional option but fills a position where England have shown some uncertainty.
Other players on the radar include Ethan Burger, a South African-born prop for Exeter who qualifies for England through his grandfather, and Orlando Bailey of Leicester, who offers versatility at fly-half and inside centre.
As England seeks to revitalize its squad for the upcoming international fixtures, these uncapped players could provide new energy and tactical options, potentially reshaping the team as it targets improved results on the world stage.