Henry Arundell is poised to make his first England start since the 2023 World Cup, taking the left wing for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Wales. The 23-year-old Bath flyer last featured in the World Cup bronze final against Argentina two and a half years ago. Following a move to French club Racing 92 that sidelined him from international duty, Arundell made a comeback as a substitute against Fiji last autumn and now returns to the starting lineup, bringing fresh pace to England’s backline.
The match at Allianz Stadium will be captained on the field by Jamie George, as regular captain Maro Itoje, who is currently grieving his mother’s passing, will start on the bench and assume captaincy upon entering the game.
Arundell’s inclusion follows Tom Roebuck’s unfortunate injury, ruling him out since England’s November defeat of New Zealand. The center partnership features Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman, a familiar pairing from Northampton, chosen by head coach Steve Borthwick. This selection sees Dingwall edge out contenders Max Ojomoh and Seb Atkinson for the number 12 shirt.
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Half-back duties will be managed by Alex Mitchell and George Ford, while Freddie Steward and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso complete a dynamic backline. The absence of Itoje in the starting row brings Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum to the second row, with Sam Underhill and Tom Curry continuing their roles in the back row.
Borthwick has stacked the bench with six forwards to combat the ongoing injury crisis at prop, relying on seasoned players Bevan Rodd and Trevor Davison in place of unavailable stars Will Stuart, Fin Baxter, and Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Among the backs on the bench, Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith provide depth, with Smith covering both full-back and fly-half positions.
Wales, eager to secure their first Six Nations victory since 2023, are expected to emphasize their kicking strategy, a challenge Borthwick is preparing his team for. “England versus Wales is always a special occasion — a fierce rivalry with a long history that demands our best every time,” Borthwick said. “We anticipate Wales will employ a strong kicking game. Our focus is on a disciplined, precise response, executing our game plan flawlessly.”
The packed Allianz Stadium promises a rousing atmosphere to kick off the Championship, with passionate home supporters ready to cheer England on.
England team: Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers); Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby); George Ford (Sale Sharks), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints); Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens, capt), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby), Ben Earl (Saracens).
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Harry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Marcus Smith (Harlequins).