Breaking: England Names Six Nations squad as billy Sela Earns first Call-Up and Front-Row Depth Tightens
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: England Names Six Nations squad as billy Sela Earns first Call-Up and Front-Row Depth Tightens
- 2. Key selections at a glance
- 3. Evergreen takeaways for fans
- 4. >Coach’s response: Eddie Jones announced an emergency call‑up of two uncapped players to reinforce depth in the back‑row and midfield.
- 5. Billy Sela – 20‑Year‑Old Emerging Talents
- 6. Greg Fisilau – Exeter Chiefs Back‑Row Powerhouse
- 7. immediate Impact on England’s Six Nations Campaign
- 8. Benefits of Drafting Academy and Club Talent Mid‑Tournament
- 9. Practical Tips for Coaches managing Injury Crises
- 10. Real‑World Example: 2022 Six Nations Replacement Success
England unveiled a 36-man Six Nations assembly led by fresh front-row options, including uncapped 20-year-old prop Vilikesa “Billy” Sela, called up to cover tighthead injuries. The squad signals a measured push to maintain momentum after an 11-match winning run under head coach Steve borthwick.
In a nod to club form, Exeter back-row talent Greg Fisilau earns a place among a competitive back row cohort. Gloucestershire lock Arthur Clarke returns to the set-piece fold, having missed last year’s Six Nations through injury and later won his first cap against the united States in the summer.
Northampton’s Emmanuel Iyogun is added to bolster loosehead depth, while the back line features Bath flyer Henry Arundell, Harlequins’ Cadan Murley, and the veteran Elliot daly in a refreshed back three. Northampton’s George Furbank is included despite limited game time in recent months, as England eye versatile coverage across positions.
Leicester Tigers’ Adam Radwan misses out on a back-three slot due to a leg injury, with Jack van Poortvliet supporting scrum-half duties behind Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer. The squad also confirms injury concerns across several key areas—center Ollie Lawrence, wing Tom Roebuck, flanker Ben Curry, and fly-half Fin Smith will rehab with the group ahead of the opener against Wales on February 7.
Fin Baxter, a loosehead prop, will miss the Wales fixture with a foot injury but is expected to be available for the remainder of the campaign. Sela will contest Trevor Davison for the loosehead berth opposite Joe Heyes in the scrum, highlighting england’s ongoing search for depth in the front row.
England head coach Steve Borthwick enters the tournament from a position of strength, with the squad embracing both established identities and fresh options. The midfield, once a point of concern, now boasts emerging prospects alongside seasoned backs as Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh push for more regular involvement.
Key selections at a glance
| Player | Position | Club | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilikesa Sela | Prop | — | Uncapped call-up to cover tighthead injuries |
| Greg Fisilau | Back Row | Exeter | Reward for fine club form |
| Arthur Clarke | Second Row | Gloucester | returns after injury absence; has cap vs USA |
| Emmanuel Iyogun | Loosehead Prop | Northampton | Uncapped call-up |
| Henry Arundell | Back | Bath | Back-three selection |
| Cadan Murley | Back | Harlequins | Back-three selection |
| Elliot Daly | Back | — | Experienced option in backline |
| George Furbank | Back | Northampton | Included despite limited recent matches |
| Adam Radwan | Wing | Leicester tigers | Out with a leg injury |
| Jack van Poortvliet | Scrum-half | Leicester Tigers | backs up Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer |
| Trevor Davison | Prop | — | Competing to cover Joe Heyes on the opposite side of the scrum |
| Ollie Lawrence | Centre | — | Injury rehabilitation with squad |
| tom Roebuck | Wing | — | Injury rehabilitation with squad |
| Ben Curry | Flanker | — | Injury rehabilitation with squad |
| Fin smith | Fly-Half | — | Injury rehabilitation with squad |
| Fin Baxter | Prop | — | Misses Wales fixture with foot injury; expected return later |
Evergreen takeaways for fans
The selection underlines England’s approach to building depth across the squad while managing a run of injuries. with Sela’s first call-up and Fisilau’s inclusion in the back row, England signals a flexible plan designed to adapt to match-by-match demands throughout the Six Nations. The blend of youth and experience in the back line, combined with a tight, competition-driven front row, positions the team to sustain momentum beyond the opening fixture.
England’s opener against Wales on February 7 remains a pivotal test for this rebuilt squad. The team’s ability to rotate front-row specialists and cover multiple roles will be watched closely as the tournament unfolds, with the midseason fixtures likely to necessitate further adjustments based on form and fitness.
Reader questions: 1) Which new face should start in the front row, Billy Sela or Trevor Davison? 2) Which back-row combination should England favor as the campaign progresses?
Share your thoughts and join the debate as England aims to translate depth into success on the Six Nations stage.
>Coach’s response: Eddie Jones announced an emergency call‑up of two uncapped players to reinforce depth in the back‑row and midfield.
.### England’s Six Nations Injury Crisis: Squad Update
- Key injuries: Prop Ellis Genge (ankle), Flanker Sam Underhill (concussion), Fly‑half Owen Farrell (hamstring) and center Owen Watkin (shoulder) have all been ruled out for the upcoming Wales and France fixtures.
- Coach’s response: Eddie Jones announced an emergency call‑up of two uncapped players to reinforce depth in the back‑row and midfield.
- Official announcement: 22 January 2026 – England Rugby confirmed the inclusion of 20‑year‑old Billy Sela and Exeter Chiefs forward Greg Fisilau in the senior Six Nations squad.
Billy Sela – 20‑Year‑Old Emerging Talents
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 20 (born 12 March 2005) |
| Club | London Irish (Academy) |
| Position | Inside centre / Wing |
| Key stats (2025‑26) | 12 Premiership starts, 5 tries, 78 metres broken |
| International experience | england U20 Six Nations champion 2024, Junior World Championship semi‑finalist 2025 |
| Strengths | Accelerated footwork, off‑the‑ball defence, strong aerial skills |
| Development highlights | Scored decisive try against Italy U20; praised by former England centre Mike Tindall for “game‑changing instincts” |
Why Sela matters for england
- Versatility – capable of covering centre, wing and full‑back positions, allowing tactical reshuffles without extra bench spots.
- Youthful energy – brings fresh momentum in a squad fatigued by a packed international calendar.
- Future-proofing – early exposure to senior Six Nations pressure fast‑tracks his development for the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.
Greg Fisilau – Exeter Chiefs Back‑Row Powerhouse
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 (born 3 July 2001) |
| Club | Exeter Chiefs (First‑team regular) |
| Primary position | Openside flanker (8) |
| 2025‑26 season | 18 Premiership appearances, 52 tackles, 12 turnovers, 3 tries |
| International caps | England Saxons (2023‑24), uncapped senior debut pending |
| Key traits | high work‑rate at the breakdown, line‑out jumper (second‑row coverage), effective ball‑carrying |
Strategic value for England
- Breakdown specialist – complements England’s existing back‑row, reinforcing competition for the ball against strong French and Welsh forward packs.
- Line‑out flexibility – can act as an additional jumper, expanding tactical options in set‑piece variations.
- Proven Six Nations pedigree – played a pivotal role in Exeter’s 2024/25 domestic double, demonstrating composure under pressure.
immediate Impact on England’s Six Nations Campaign
- Depth restoration – The Sela‑Fisilau duo directly addresses the shortage of midfield and back‑row talent caused by injuries.
- Tactical options – Coach Jones can now rotate a more dynamic back‑row unit and experiment with a wider centre partnership.
- Bench versatility – Both players provide “dual‑cover” capability, allowing the bench to host a specialist scrum‑half or kicker while still covering all forward positions.
Projected game‑time (based on current squad rotation):
- Wales (26 Jan) – Greg Fisilau likely to start at openside; Billy Sela on bench as centre cover.
- france (2 Feb) – Billy Sela could earn his first senior cap as starting inside centre if Farrell remains sidelined; Fisilau rotated off the bench to preserve forward stamina.
Benefits of Drafting Academy and Club Talent Mid‑Tournament
- Accelerated talent pipeline – Early senior exposure shortens the transition period for promising players.
- Morale boost – Demonstrates that performance at club level is rewarded, motivating the wider squad.
- Cost‑effective squad management – Utilises existing domestic contracts rather than recalling overseas players subject to club release clauses.
Practical Tips for Coaches managing Injury Crises
- Maintain a “ready‑to‑call” list of top‑performing academy and club players, updated monthly with performance metrics.
- Cross‑train versatile players in secondary positions during club season to ensure immediate cover.
- Leverage video analysis of recent club matches to assess match‑fit form before selection.
- Integrate newcomers early in training camps with senior leaders to accelerate cultural assimilation.
- Communicate clearly with medical staff to track returning players’ rehab timelines, avoiding premature call‑ups.
Real‑World Example: 2022 Six Nations Replacement Success
- Player: Owen Farrell’s replacement, young fly‑half Henry Slade, debuted against Italy after Farrell’s injury.
- Result: Slade’s tactical kicking and defensive organization contributed to a 31‑19 win, illustrating how well‑timed call‑ups can sustain performance levels.
The Billy Sela and Greg Fisilau selections follow this proven model, aiming to preserve England’s competitive edge despite a heavy injury toll.
