The Championship will operate as a 14-team league next season, including the existing 12 clubs, the winners of National 1 and the Warriors.
No sooner had the Guinness Six Nations drawn to a close than England's Marcus Smith was jetting off to the United States during his time off.
England look set for sizeable contingent in Andy Farrell’s squad.
The Gallagher Premiership leaders remain on course for the treble after a 48-14 victory over Exeter at Sandy Park.
Borthwick’s tenure had been a snakes and ladders adventure until top, steps forward followed by more steps backwards, but their completion of a first four-wins-from-five Six Nations campaign since they last won the title in 2020 signals a giant leap for the head coach and the credibility of his team.
There is no such thing as a subdued meeting between England and Wales, it just doesn't exist, but Saturday's encounter at the Principality Stadium has some extra spice.
Wales will aim to harness the passion of their home crowd but the game will be decided by form, not historical enmity, with England in pole position.
Northampton Saints' Henry Pollock could make his England debut from the bench on Saturday against Wales in round five of the Guinness Six Nations.
Chessum’s only previous appearance at the Principality Stadium came two years ago when England triumphed 20-10 – and the experience left a lasting impression on the Leicester second row.