England Unveils Six Nations Squad, Uncapped Trio Included Ahead of Tournament Kick-off

England has named a 36-player squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship, featuring three uncapped players—prop Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela, number eight Greg Fisilau, and loosehead prop Emmanuel Iyogun—as preparations intensify for their tournament opener against Wales on February 7th. This squad announcement comes just as the men’s tournament is set to kick off with a high-stakes encounter between France and Ireland, while the Women’s Six Nations prepares for its April 11th start, underscoring a season of significant developments across all facets of elite rugby.

England’s Squad: New Faces and Strategic Selections

Head coach Steve Borthwick’s selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, strategically addressing key positions, particularly in the front row, due to a series of injuries. The inclusion of the 20-year-old Bath tighthead Sela is a direct response to the unavailability of Will Stuart (Achilles) and Asher Opoku-Fordjour (shoulder), both sidelined by injury. Sela, a product of England’s 2024 Under-20 World Cup-winning side, represents a ‘golden generation’ of prop prospects, known for his abrasive ball-carrying and mobility. He will vie with the more experienced Trevor Davison to provide cover for Joe Heyes.

Exeter Chiefs’ number eight Greg Fisilau, 22, earns his call-up following a string of impressive performances in club rugby, particularly in the Premiership where he ranks third in carries this season and fourth in tackles. His inclusion fills a void left by Tom Willis, who is ineligible due to his impending move to Bordeaux-Begles. Fisilau, a lighter and more nimble player than Willis, has been instrumental in Exeter’s recent resurgence, demonstrating a formidable work rate that has long marked him as a future England international. Northampton’s Emmanuel Iyogun, who impressed in England A fixtures, also joins the squad to bolster the loosehead prop options.

The squad also sees the return of Gloucester second row Arthur Clark, who earned his first cap against the United States last summer after missing the previous Six Nations due to injury. Other notable additions since the autumn include Sale loosehead Bevan Rodd, Northampton full-back George Furbank, Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet, and Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson. Conversely, Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe, Harlequins back-row Jack Kenningham, and Sale scrum-half Raffi Quirke have not made the cut. Several key players, including centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Tom Roebuck, flanker Ben Curry, and fly-half Fin Smith, are currently undergoing rehabilitation in Girona but will remain part of the 36-strong squad, with loosehead prop Fin Baxter expected to return after the Wales fixture.

Coach Borthwick expressed confidence in his selections, stating, “We’ve picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership and exciting potential. The margins in the Guinness Six Nations are incredibly fine so our aim over the coming days is to come together quickly, prepare thoroughly, and make sure we’re ready to perform.” England finished second in the previous Championship, their best result since lifting the trophy in 2020, and enter this year’s tournament on an impressive 11-match winning streak.

Men’s Championship Kicks Off with High-Stakes Encounters

The 2026 Guinness Six Nations breaks with tradition, commencing on a Thursday night. The opening weekend promises a thrilling start to the Championship:

• Thursday, February 5th: France v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris | Kick-off: 8:10pm GMT) This highly anticipated clash between two recent powerhouses will set the tone for the tournament. France, under Fabien Galthié, has made bold selections, including the youthful Theo Attissogbe, while Ireland’s disciplined breakdown play will be crucial. The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and ITVX.
• Saturday, February 7th: Italy v Scotland (Stadio Olimpico, Rome | Kick-off: 2:10pm GMT) Italy, under Gonzalo Quesada, has developed a new resilience, epitomized by the electric Ange Capuozzo. Scotland, with the return of Jonny Gray, will look to Finn Russell for his trademark fly-half escapology. This fixture often delivers a high-scoring spectacle and will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
• Saturday, February 7th: England v Wales (Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | Kick-off: 4:40pm GMT) The weekend concludes with a perennial rivalry that transcends form. England’s winning streak will be tested by a Welsh squad, coached by Steve Tandy, that is undergoing a period of transition. This emotionally charged encounter is available on ITV 1, ITVX, and S4C (Welsh language).

Guinness Women’s Six Nations Builds Momentum

The Guinness Women’s Six Nations, riding the momentum from the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and a surge in audience engagement, is set to return on April 11th. The 2026 edition promises more matches in national stadiums than ever before, reflecting the growing demand and interest in women’s rugby. Round one will see the reigning champions, England, host Ireland at the Allianz Stadium, the scene of their historic Rugby World Cup triumph. Simultaneously, Wales will take on Scotland at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Further enhancing the player pathway, a new Six Nations Women’s U21 Series will be launched. This series aims to strengthen the development pipeline for elite players, allowing athletes primarily under 21, with a limited number up to 23, to gain international experience. The format evolves from a week-long festival to a home-and-away structure, with teams participating in two home fixtures and one away, or vice versa. Record ticket sales and extensive global broadcast coverage underscore the robust and expanding profile of women’s rugby.

The strategic inclusion of promising uncapped players like Sela and Fisilau by Steve Borthwick highlights a forward-looking approach, aiming to deepen England’s squad depth and ensure sustained competitiveness, while the expansion of the Women’s Six Nations into national stadiums and the introduction of the U21 Series clearly signal the accelerating professionalization and growing commercial appeal of women’s rugby.