Gloucester centre Will Joseph is poised to audition for a leading role in England’s backline against Japan on Saturday following injuries to Manny Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson, and George Furbank. The 24-year-old could feature on the wing or in the midfield as Steve Borthwick reshuffles his squad.
England must find a talented understudy after losing their star wing Manny Feyi-Waboso to an ankle injury during the Australia fixture. Borthwick’s backline requires a reshuffle with Feyi-Waboso, Atkinson, and Furbank all sidelined for the upcoming Test.
Joseph Steps Up After Four-Year Wait
Will Joseph was a travelling reserve for the Australia match and now stands ready for a Test recall. The Guardian noted that Joseph earned his only previous cap in the closing minutes against the Wallabies in Brisbane in 2022 as a 20-year-old apprentice under Eddie Jones.
England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield praised the player’s physical attributes and impact on the training pitch this week. “What a player he is,” Sinfield said, according to The Guardian. “I’ve been really impressed with him in training… he beats people, he’s got great balance and he’s a good defender with unbelievable power and speed off the mark.”
Alex Coles Praises Joseph's Footwork While Squad Depth Remains
Teammate Alex Coles highlighted Joseph’s exceptional footwork during recent sessions at Bagshot.
Other back-three contenders remain available in the squad, including Cadan Murley, Joe Marchant, Noah Caluori, and Tobias Elliott.
Long-Term Fitness and Club Collaboration
Sinfield described Feyi-Waboso’s performance against Australia as world-class before the winger departed at half-time. The Guardian reported that Sinfield likened him to Jason Robinson, stating that England cannot ask a replacement to play exactly like Feyi-Waboso.
Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, England and the Rugby Football Union are examining ways to manage player workloads. Discussions with clubs aim to limit playing time for injury-prone stars such as Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry to ensure prime condition for international fixtures.
| Player | Club | Position | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Joseph | Gloucester | Centre / Wing | In contention to face Japan |
| Manny Feyi-Waboso | Exeter Chiefs | Wing | Sidelined with ankle injury |
| Tom Curry | Sale Sharks | Back Row | Managing hip problems |
