Bath Rugby suffered a setback as Ollie Lawrence, a pivotal figure in England’s 33-19 triumph over New Zealand, has been sidelined by a hamstring strain. Lawrence, who scored a try and set up another for Fraser Dingwell, injured his hamstring late in the match at Twickenham and will miss England’s upcoming clash against Argentina on Sunday. England aims to secure their eleventh consecutive win.
Lawrence’s injury is a blow after his quick recovery from an Achilles injury that had delayed his start to the 2025/26 season. However, his absence opens the door for Bath teammate Max Ojomoh to make an impact. Ojomoh is among eight Bath players included in England’s squad preparing to take on the Pumas. Additionally, lock Charlie Ewels is back in contention after recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier in the season, while Ollie Chessum remains sidelined.
The England squad includes three specialist centres: Ojomoh, Northampton’s Fraser Dingwall, and Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade. Saracens’ utility back Elliot Daly, fully recovered from a broken arm suffered on British and Irish Lions duty, also joins the team.
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Max Ojomoh, 25, earned his senior England debut last summer against the USA and recently served as vice-captain for England A in a narrow defeat to the All Blacks XV. His involvement is a promising sign for Bath’s representation at the international level.
Injuries to Sale Sharks winger Tom Roebuck and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman have put Bath’s Henry Arundell on course for a starting role against Argentina. Saracens’ rising star Noah Caluori, who scored for England A against Spain, has also been added to the camp as wing cover.
Full-back Freddie Steward left the New Zealand game early with a suspected concussion but has since passed all necessary assessments and is cleared to play on Sunday.
England’s front row lineup will adapt with Jamie George ruled out due to a hamstring issue. This gives Saracen Theo Dan a chance to make his autumn debut as hooker, working alongside Luke Cowan-Dickie, who has recently been used off the bench.
Other Bath Rugby players named in the training squad include loosehead prop Beno Obano, tighthead Will Stuart, flankers Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper, and scrum-half Ben Spencer.
Head coach Borthwick is expected to announce the final team selection either Friday or possibly as early as Wednesday, signaling a flexible approach due to the ongoing injury concerns.
Bath Rugby’s strong presence in the England team highlights the club’s significant contribution at the international level, even as key players face injury setbacks ahead of this important autumn clash.