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England lose Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry for November

England’s rugby team will be without Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry for the rest of its November campaign. An ankle injury against Australia ended Feyi-Waboso’s involvement, while Curry hurt his hip in training. Further injuries complicate Steve Borthwick’s selections for Japan, with several players hoping to return against New Zealand.

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England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks about his squad’s absences before the Japan match.

Two players miss the rest of November

England’s rugby union team will be without winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and back-row player Tom Curry for the rest of its November campaign. Feyi-Waboso hurt his ankle in the first half of Sunday’s match against Australia, while Curry suffered a hip injury in training the previous week. The absences were confirmed on 9 November as England prepared to face Japan. Feyi-Waboso will also miss New Zealand and the final-weekend fixture.[1], [2]

George Furbank has a groin problem, Seb Atkinson a hip injury and Ollie Chessum a shoulder injury. All three are expected to miss Japan, with the coaching staff hoping they can return for New Zealand. England coach Steve Borthwick is also managing Ben Curry’s workload after the player, Tom’s twin, recently returned from a long hamstring injury. Henry Pollock may be needed in the back row after filling in on the wing for Feyi-Waboso.[1]

Borthwick considers changes across the back line

Max Ojomoh and Fraser Dingwall are options at inside centre in Atkinson’s absence. Borthwick praised Ojomoh’s display for England A against an Argentina side. Joe Marchant and Will Joseph are possible replacements on the wing, alongside Cadan Murley and Noah Caluori. Tobias Elliott, who plays for England’s Saracens club, has been called into the group. Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward may play at full-back, the deepest position in the back line, in place of Furbank.[1]

New options join the back-row group

Max Hicks and Jack Kenningham have joined Greg Fisilau and Tom Pearson among the back-row choices. Hicks previously represented New Zealand Māori and is eligible for England through his Cornish grandmother. Archie McParland has returned to fitness. Borthwick also plans to rest players to manage their match workloads, with those decisions affecting the available wing selections. Japan are coached by Eddie Jones, England’s former head coach, who has discussed tactical surprises ahead of the meeting.[1]

References

  1. News sourceThe GuardianFeyi-Waboso and Tom Curry ruled out of England’s November campaign↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceSky SportsFeyi-Waboso and Tom Curry ruled out of England’s November campaign↩

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