England forced into late change ahead of Scotland clash due to injury

Thursday, 20 February 2025 at 14:44

byRugby Rucker

Ted Hill has been called onto the bench for England’s Six Nations showdown against Scotland at Allianz Stadium after George Martin was ruled out due to injury.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Martin, who was believed to have picked up a knee issue during the win over France, has not recovered in time. Hill’s inclusion is the only change to the matchday squad as England look to end their recent struggles against Scotland.

England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the change, in today's media session at their training camp in Surrey. "Unfortunately, George Martin had a bit of a setback this morning, so he's been withdrawn from the 23 and Ted Hill comes onto the bench in his place.

"He had a couple of bangs, post France game, that he and we thought were going to be all right. But to go and play a test match, you have to be close to 100% so he's not quite right this morning. So we made that decision pre-training. So Ted Hill trained fully in that position.

"It isn't (a reoccuring knee issue) just because of the nature of these ones are bangs and rather than it being anything structural. So no, not concerned. George, incredibly diligent getting to know his body more and more.

"But, I mean, you guys watch him, you know what he puts himself through so naturally after the test match, as we seen with a few other countries this this weekend, a few guys have picked up a bang, and the way he plays, we want him to be able to rip in as as he does. If we've got any risk of that, then we've got Ted, and we're pleased to put him in."

Ollie Chessum returns to starting XV

In the starting lineup, Ollie Chessum will make his first England start in nearly a year, partnering captain Maro Itoje in the second row.

Marcus Smith keeps full-back role

Despite competition from Freddie Steward and Elliot Daly, Marcus Smith remains at full-back. Fin Smith continues at fly-half after his man-of-the-match performance in the dramatic victory over Les Bleus.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has again shown faith in Marcus Smith at 15, but Scotland could target the Harlequins star aerially.

England aim to end losing streak

England, who have lost their last four meetings against Scotland, are hoping to keep their title hopes alive with fixtures against Italy and Wales still to come.

Meanwhile, Gregor Townsend’s team are chasing a record fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup win. After an opening-round victory over Italy, they are eager to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Ireland, the current title favourites.

Scotland have not lost at Twickenham since 2017, when England secured the Six Nations title and matched New Zealand’s world record for consecutive men’s Test wins with a commanding 61-21 triumph.

UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations

The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.

This international blend underlines rugby’s global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we've broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.

ENGLAND

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/41 (95.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)

Bevan Rodd (Scotland) - Parent
Chandler Cunningham-South (England) - Born in England
Harry Randall (England) - Born in England
Marcus Smith (Philippines) - Parent
Tom Roebuck (Scotland) - Parent

FRANCE

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/42 (92.8%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)

Dany Priso (Cameroon) - Residency (2008)
Uini Atonio (New Zealand) - Residency (2014)
Giorgi Beria (Georgia) - Residency (2002)
Joshua Brennan (Ireland) - Residency (2005)
Emmanuel Meafou (New Zealand) - Residency (2023)
Émilien Gailleton (England) - Parent

IRELAND

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/36 (83.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)

Rob Herring (South Africa) - Grandparent
Finlay Bealham (Australia) - Grandparent
Cormac Izuchukwu (England) - Parent
Joe McCarthy (USA) - Parent
Jamison Ratu Gibson-Park (New Zealand) - Residency (2020)
Bundee Aki (New Zealand) - Residency (2017)
Ciarán Frawley (Australia) - Parent
Mack Hansen (Australia) - Parent
James Lowe (New Zealand) - Residency (2020)

ITALY

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 21/31 (67.7%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/31 (29.0%)

Dino Lamb-Cona (England) - Parent
Sebastian Negri (Zimbabwe) - Parent
Ross Vintcent (South Africa) - Grandparent
Martin Page-Relo (France) - Grandparent
Stephen Varney (Wales) - Parent
Juan Ignacio Brex (Argentina) - Grandparent
Montana Ioane (Australia) - Residency (2020)
Ange Capuozzo (France) - Parent
Matt Gallagher (England) - Parent

SCOTLAND

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 25/42 (58,1.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 18/43 (44.1%)

Pierre Schoeman (South Africa) - Residency (2021)
Ewan Ashman (Canada) - Parent
Dylan Richardson (South Africa) - Parent
Will Hurd (England) - Grandparent
Cameron Henderson (Hong Kong) - Parent
Ewan Johnson (England) - Parent
Marshall Sykes (England) - Grandparent
Josh Bayliss (England) - Grandparent
Jack Dempsey (Australia) - Grandparent
Alexander Masibaka (Australia) - Parent
Ben White (England) - Grandparent
Fergus Burke (New Zealand) - Grandparent
Tom Jordan (New Zealand) - Residency (2024)
Rory Hutchinson (England) - Grandparent
Sione Tuipulotu (Australia) - Grandparent
Arron Reed (England) - Parent
Kyle Rowe (England) - Cumulative Residency
Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa) - Residency (2020)

WALES

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 26/34 (76.4%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 10/34 (29.4%)

WillGriff John (England) - Parent
Henry Thomas (England) - Parent
Will Rowlands (England) - Parent
Freddie Thomas (England) - Grandparent
Christ Tshiunza (DR Congo) - Residency (2015)
James Botham (Wales) - Born in Wales
Taulupe Faletau (Tonga) - Residency (2001)
Ellis Bevan (England) - Parent
Nick Tompkins (England) - Grandparent
Blair Murray (New Zealand) - Parent
Ellis Mee (England) - Parent

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