61 - 26

Chessum the biggest casualty as England cut squad to 30 for Ireland

14 Mar 2023

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Steve Borthwick has cut his England squad to 30-ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland, with Ollie Chessum – a starter in the record defeat to France last Saturday – missing out on this occasion. The Leicester second row suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday and has been replaced in the squad by clubmate George Martin.

With no matches scheduled this weekend in the Gallager Premiership, Borthwick opted to lessen the number of midweek cuts he had previously made to the squad. Will Collier and Ben Earl were the only other forwards released following two days this week at Pennyhill. In the backs, Tommy Freeman, Caden Murley, Guy Porter and Ben Youngs all missed out.

George Ford, who was among the players released at this stage last week, has been kept in the squad this time around and his presence will further fuel the debate over who should wear the England No10 jersey against Ireland. Smith dramatically took that jersey back from the benched Owen Farrell last weekend having lost it to the England skipper for the previous games against Italy and Wales.

A statement read: “Steve Borthwick has retained a 30-player squad for our match against Ireland this weekend. Ollie Chessum sustained an ankle injury in training today [Tuesday] which has ruled him out of this weekend’s game. George Martin has been called up to the squad.”

There were originally four changes to the 36-man squad that Borthwick publicly confirmed on Monday morning from the 36 named the previous week to prepare for France. Collier was named ahead of Joe Heyes at tighthead, Jonny Hill was chosen as a replacement for the injured Courtney Lawes, the place of excluded back-rower Sam Simmonds went to winger Ollie Hassell-Collins, and Porter was called up for the hamstring-stricken Ollie Lawrence, another starter against the French.

England squad (vs Ireland)
Forwards (17):
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 99 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 13 caps)
Tom Dunn (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 76 caps)
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 19 caps)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 10 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 66 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 78 caps)
Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)
Jack Willis (Toulouse, 9 caps)

Backs (13):
Henry Arundell (London Irish, 6 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 105 caps)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 81 caps)
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish, 2 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 18 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 14 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 55 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 21 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 11 caps)
Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 54 caps)

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Comments

0 Comments

Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Latest Features

LONG READ

Will wounded Carbery come back to haunt former side Munster?

Discarded by Munster and Ireland, Joey Carbery is flourishing again with Bordeaux.

LONG READ

Despite the Croke Park horror show, Marcus Smith shouldn't be discounted from Lions conversation

Chris Robshaw believes the superstar England fly-half shouldn't be discarded on the whim of a Dublin shellacking

LONG READ

Can Rugby Australia afford to go ‘all in’ on the Queensland Reds?

The Queensland Reds are the outstanding Australian franchise so it would be a risk to move the entire coaching team to the Wallabies

Comments on RugbyPass

JH 4 minutes ago

Former All Blacks pick their starting wingers for 2025

Yes, because ‘versatility’ has always served NZ well in the past, messing playing about out of position.

As for Sevu Reece. Always looks a million dollars are Super level, but it never carries over to internationals when against the top teams. Some players have their level, his is Super, no more.

1 Go to comments

JH 8 minutes ago

Blues vs Moana Pasifika: Blues hit the weight room, Beauden evergreen

Sheesh, the NZ media just love Beauden. He’s been rubbish most of the last several years, particular with him aimless kicking, which he’s still very guilty of.

If he’s our 10 come 2027, it’s a damning statement of NZs talent development. Especially if the two backup options in the World Cup squad are two other guys on the wrong side of 30.

Maybe some fans want to see ‘shiny new things’ because no one else seems to be given a chance to prove themselves, unless via injury, before being dropped for the ‘leadership group’. Even in Super Rugby teams, you never see established All Blacks dropped no matter how badly they’re playing, it’s always the non-ABs who pay the selection price.

1 Go to comments

JH 14 minutes ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

So the Chiefs sweat on Shaun Stevenson returning so they can have him at fullback, and shortly after start messing around with their backline putting Dmac back there. Just silly stuff from the coach.

No wonder NZ is sweating on their 10’s, they keep dicking them about between one position and another. Jack of all trades, master of none.

24 Go to comments

JH 18 minutes ago

Super Rugby Pacific takes: Cake Tin needs to be demo'd, Australian dominance deserved

It’s not rocket-science, the Aussies finally reduce by a team, which NZ rugby has been suggesting for years, and NZ essentially thin their talent further by adding Moana Pasifika, who are just a sixth side promoted as an ‘island’ one. Frankly none of the NZ sides are particularly good this year, so it appears less of a case of the Aussies being that much better, more that the NZ sides have slid down to their level.

As for the Cake Tin. That and Eden Park in particular are just far too big for today’s Super and NPC crowds. Both cities would be better off finding a good 10,000-15,000-seater stadium. That might create some demand for tickets, and some much needed atmosphere.

9 Go to comments

frandinand 27 minutes ago

Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

As a neutral observer I thought the improvement in the ABs forward play after Ryan was appointed was very apparent.

54 Go to comments

WinnyJacks 1 hour ago

Bath dismiss Gloucester to set up Challenge Cup semi against Edinburgh

BEST RECOVERY EXPERT FOR CRYPTOCURRENCY HIRE CERTIFIED / REVENANT CYBER HACKER

It seemed like an eternity of ups and downs, but at last came the moment of victory. I was able to get my lost Bitcoin back with the help of REVENANT CYBER HACKER, a highly qualified group committed to assisting people like me in recovering their lost cryptocurrency. My shoulders seemed to be lighter, and I couldn't help but rejoice in this moment of victory. It's impossible for me to adequately describe the relief and happiness I felt after finding my lost investment. It was more than simply the financial worth of bitcoin; it was also about the feeling of fairness and the certainty that experts exist who can guide you through the murkiest parts of the cryptocurrency world. Professional recovery companies like REVENANT CYBER HACKER have the knowledge and specific equipment needed to manage the intricate realm of Bitcoin recovery. They know how to apply cutting-edge techniques to recover lost money, are skilled at handling a variety of frauds, and are knowledgeable about the nuances of blockchain technology. Their resources and experience can have a big impact on the healing process and provide people a chance to get their money back. It is important to realise that seeking professional assistance is a smart and considered decision rather than a sign of weakness if you want to increase your chances of making a full recovery. The capacity of professional recovery teams to assist people in avoiding typical pitfalls and frauds during the recovery process is one of the main advantages of working with them. These groups can offer helpful advice to prevent people from falling into scammers' traps because they are knowledgeable about their methods. People who seek professional assistance can go through the recovery process with confidence, knowing that experts are available to support them and keep them safe. Making this choice can save money, but it can also save important time and mental stress. My involvement with REVENANT CYBER HACKER has instilled in me the value of accepting obstacles and obtaining expert assistance when confronted with apparently insurmountable tasks. Admitting that you require the knowledge and assistance of those who are familiar with the nuances of cryptocurrency recovery is OK. You cannot succeed on your own. It is important to always value the qualities of perseverance and patience. Although getting back lost cryptocurrency is rarely easy, success is achievable if one has a strong will and the perseverance to keep going. It's critical to seek professional advice, but it's also critical to exercise caution. There are reputable recovery teams, such as REVENANT CYBER HACKER, but there are also con artists and false agencies. Choose carefully who you trust with your recovery path; educate yourself, do your homework. My experience with REVENANT CYBER HACKER changed the course of the difficult process of getting my lost Bitcoin back.

Email : revenantcyberhacker ( @ ) gmail (. ) com

Telegram: revenantcyberhacker

WhatsApp: + 1 (208) 425-8584

WhatsApp: + 1 (913) 820-0739

0 Go to comments

Chiefs Mana 1 hour ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Hmm i’ve watched the Chiefs closely for a long time; against the Reds and then the Tahs, we completely went into our shells and basically played 10 man rugby, I assumed it was due to the rain vs Reds but we saw it again against Waratahs. It is actually very different to what we’ve seen from McMillans sides for years, in my recollection. My glass half-full, one-eyed Chiefs nature would like to think it’s in preparation for arm wrestles as the nights get colder and wetter in the pointy end of the season but it’s concerning as was very easy to defend for both those Aussie teams.

Assuming Dmac takes sabbatical next year, Jacomb will be our 10 and with some level of Waikato/Chiefs continuity in the coaches expected (Gibbes or Filipo as head coach), David Hill will continue to be in charge of the backs.

24 Go to comments

Cantab 1 hour ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

It seems to me that opposition teams have him worked out and know how to isolate and negate his style of play. He appears a little one dimensional and forgets the other players in his team

24 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Vern Cotter reflects on his side's recent turnaround in form

On the opposite side of the back MP, namely JGB (but Toala as well) didn’t choose the right time or place to chip or attack space in behind, unlike last week were JGB put that grubber right we the ball needed to be. Luck?

On that note Barrett’s chip was probably pure luck as well, I mean he chips it whenever theres a line in front of him so it’s not necessarily like any great amount of vision saw that opportunity!

3 Go to comments

DH 2 hours ago

Why Glasgow won't be starstruck by 'arguably the best club team in the world'

Well now . That didnt go well.…And I’m a Warriors fan

2 Go to comments

Bruiser 2 hours ago

Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game

Showboating one thing, niggly s hit in the ruck like untying players laces….nah thats making yourself a target. Leinster wont fall for that nonsense

11 Go to comments

DH 2 hours ago

Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game

He is good . Let him be .He may yet get a couple of corners knocked off him , but then again maybe not .It’s fun watching !

11 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

It’s not resorted man, this is the same level of performance weve seen from McMillans sides for years. They’re a hard team that relies on some Dmac or Scooter creativity to long dangerous, not patterns.

I think Jacomb can be a very good 10 for the Chiefs but they are going to need to change the plan completely to suit him. What works well with Dmac is not going to work well for Jacomb, perhaps the exact opposite of Dmac as his strength is being strong with the ball flat at the line while making decisions.

Would hope for a really smart coach in the Lancaster mould to take over the chiefs, or a young guy like O’Gara was coming in as attack coach, and build on the good foundation McMillan’s built. Actually Joe Schmidt might be just the guy!

24 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Could have just been bad luck of course but I wonder if it’s really got something to do with falling out of mojo with a role you’ve not had for a while.

But in regards to the common facets weve seen many times before already, he tried running and showing some threat on the counter (which we haven’t seen for a long time, since he used to top charts as a through and through fullback) and put himself under pressure numerous times because he just can’t handle contact in todays level of rugby. I actually thought he was bloody luck on a few occasions to get out of jail with possession of the ball still.

24 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

That might be for his extension period? He was already signed for next year of course. It may not have been a sabbatical discussion however, he could have just been a player like JB who they were looking for places (La Rochelle in this case) where they have people/coaches in place who they trust and think can develop their players further.

24 Go to comments

TD 2 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific takes: Cake Tin needs to be demo'd, Australian dominance deserved

Why is it always Wellington that gets smacked around like this? The Blues cant fill Eden Park yet their city boasts nearly 3 times the amount of people. Also, what’s with the weird political swipe? The current right wing govt has taken a buzz saw to govt jobs, has failed to address the cost of living, and overseen a sustain period of economic contraction. Is it any surprise people are pulling on their purse strings and not spending on nice to haves like rugby tickets?

And with all that said, I also agree, the turn out is sad. But there is a mismatch between how much the media thinks this country is rugby mad and the actual reality of rugby fandom in this country. Maybe the powers that be should target families and students with cheaper prices.

9 Go to comments

suluzusu 3 hours ago

Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game

A friend and I invested over dolls 500,000 in a cryptocurrency platform, excited about the opportunity until our entire investment vanished without a trace. We were completely caught off guard and had no idea what had gone wrong. After discussing the situation with a trusted colleague, they recommended Gary, a team of crypto recovery specialists. Gary investigated and quickly uncovered that the exchange was a fraudulent operation run by scammers. They not only explained how the scam worked but also assured us that recovering our funds was possible. True to their word, they successfully retrieved our stolen crypto and even identified those responsible. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication were truly impressive. If you or someone you know has been affected by a crypto scam, I highly recommend reaching out to Gary. Their ability to recover lost funds and track down fraudsters is second to none. You can contact them via quickcryptorecoveryonline AT g mail com

11 Go to comments

suluzusu 3 hours ago

Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game

11 Go to comments

TO 3 hours ago

Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game

Spot on mate. We’ll see how smart he is in Dublin

11 Go to comments