In a move that showcases England’s depth in the front row, the national team has called up the uncapped 20-year-old prop Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. The Bath Rugby player, who has scored two tries in seven appearances for his club this season, will provide cover for a crop of tighthead injuries.
Elsewhere in the squad, Exeter number eight Greg Fisiihoi has earned a well-deserved place in the competitive back row group, rewarded for his impressive club form. Gloucester’s second-row Arthur Clarke, who made his debut against the United States last summer after missing last year’s Six Nations due to injury, has also been included.
Northampton’s uncapped Emmanuel Iyogun, who started both England A fixtures in the autumn, has been brought in to cover the loosehead prop position. However, there are some notable absentees, with Saracens’ Noah Caluori and Northampton’s George Hendy and Ollie Sleightholme missing out on the back-three slots. Instead, Bath’s speedster Henry Arundell, Harlequins’ Cadan Murley, and the experienced Elliot Daly have been preferred.
Northampton’s George Furbank, who has played only six matches in the last eight injury-plagued months, has also been included in the squad. Leicester’s Adam Radwan’s hopes of inclusion have been dashed by an untimely leg injury.
Jack van Poortvliet of Leicester will provide cover for Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer at scrum-half, while there are injury concerns over centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Tom Roebuck, flanker Ben Curry, and fly-half Fin Smith, all of whom will undergo rehabilitation alongside the 36-strong squad in the run-up to the tournament opener against Wales on 7 February.
Loosehead prop Fin Baxter will miss that fixture with a foot injury but is expected to return in time to contribute to the rest of England’s campaign. Sela will compete with Trevor Davison to cover Joe Heyes on the opposite side of the scrum.
Overall, England head coach Steve Borthwick, whose side are on an 11-match, year-long winning streak, is picking from a position of strength. The midfield, once an area that lacked depth, now has a clutch of options, with Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh putting pressure on more established names.
