Six Nations LIVE: England and Ireland announce squads and new captains ahead of tournament
Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell revealed their squads after the drama surrounding Wales and Louis Rees-Zammit’s stunning move to quit rugby for the NFL
The countdown to the 2024 edition of the Six Nations continued after the shock news that Wales have lost star Louis Rees-Zammit as he pursues a career in the NFL.
Earlier in the day, England named their squad, with Jamie George replacing Owen Farrell as captain after the fly half took a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental wellbeing. Borthwick’s selection for the tournament includes a number of eye-catching potential debutants, including Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots.
Then it was the turn of Ireland, with Andy Farrell selecting Peter O’Mahony as his new captain to replace the retiring Johnny Sexton. Head coach Farrell’s 34-man selection does not include any uncapped players. However, there are recalls for Leinster quartet Cian Healy, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Jordan Larmour, Ulster trio Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale, and Munster wing Calvin Nash.
Follow all the reaction to both squad announcements below:
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On other potential captaincy options: “There are a good number of names. In the past, England did not necessarily have the leaders but, over the past 12 months, under Owen, this has been a group who have brought themselves together. Genge, Marler, Itoje, Care, Sladey... the list goes on. But Jamie is the outstanding one for this team right now.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On Alfie Barbeary: “I rate Alfie very highly and I’ve said that to him. We met a good few weeks ago in Bath and we had a good chat then. I spoke to him yesterday but it’s a competitive position and I think he’s done really well. Did the disciplinary hearing have an effect [on leaving him out]? Yes, I wanted the squad to have that certainty about what we are doing going forward.
“But he’ll definitely feature and be a big part of English rugby if he continues to go the way he is.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
Aims for the Six Nations: “In the last six years, we’ve won 50 per cent of our games and it’s a level we need to improve. It’s something we’re determined to do. We’ve built some foundations over the last period of time and now we need to grow upon them.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
Conversations with Owen Farrell: “I spoke with Owen yesterday and I think what’s important is he makes a decision that is right for him and his family. Do I want him at some point to come back - yes - but I want him to do what’s right for him and his family so he can have the experiences and memories he wants.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On Slade and Dombrandt’s return: “They’ve played well, I know it is obvious. Slade in particular has been a match-winner for Exeter. There was incredible disappointment to miss out on the World Cup but he’s gone to his club and been tremendous. He’s been the guy who they’ve turned to.
“Dombrandt featured in the last Six Nations but was disappointed to miss out [on the World Cup], but I see a player who’s played well this season.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On Sinckler and Vuniploa’s omissions: “I’ve spoken to both players about what I’d like to see them develop in their games to be in their squad. There’s competition for places especially in that frow.
“Will Stuart has been excellent for Bath; Joe Heyes has shown a real development in his game this season; and Dan Cole – it’s important to recognise his impact. I’m pretty sure Kyle will be back in the squad at some point - there’s a sense of determination from him to go after the aspects we discussed.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s call-up: “We spoke some weeks ago and have been in regular contact with him and Rob Baxter [Exter head coach]. He’s impressed us not just on the pitch - we can all see the power and speed that he brings - but he’s a really mature guy. I get a real sense of maturity from him and I’m excited by this step.
“When I rang him yesterday I could sense that excitement and buzz down the phone. He was thrilled and that gave me a real energy and a buzz too.”
Steve Borthwick speaks live
On Jamie George as the new captain: “Firstly, I think he’s an outstanding player; everybody can see that. A great work-rate and sets a great example. Secondly, he’s got a great understanding of the game and he’s very astute. He’s brilliant with people and relationships - he’s got a great vibrancy about him.”
Notable absentees
Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola stick out as two of the names to not be included in Borthwick’s 36-player squad.
There’s also no mention of George Martin, who impressed at the World Cup, but his club Leicester Tigers have since announced this morning that the second row will be “ruled out for a number of weeks with a minor knee injury.”
Returns for Slade and Cowan-Dickie
Another notable two names in the squad are Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie. Slade was extremely unfortunate to miss out on England’s squad for the World Cup but has forced his way back into the squad after a superb start to the season with Exeter.
Cowan-Dickie, meanwhile, returns at hooker to provide competition and cover for new captain George.
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