England could make last-minute change for Wales clash with emergency plan ready

Friday, 14 March 2025 at 18:00

byTom Sansom

England have an emergency plan in place for tomorrow's Six Nations match against Wales, as Ellis Genge could well depart the squad should his wife go into labour. Genge's partner is due to give birth to their third child this weekend, with the loose-head prop ready to rush back across the Prince of Wales Bridge at a moments notice.

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

Genge has started in the number one jersey for the past eight England Tests, with Fin Baxter expected to take up the starting shirt should Genge be absent from the Principality Stadium.

The England vice-captain made it known during England's fallow week trip to York that he will not miss the birth of his child, yet the 70-capped England international has been named to start in the final round of the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations.

“The last game is in Wales, my missus is Welsh and I live in Bristol so it is not too far." Genge said, during the second fallow week of the competition. "That is your main role, as a father you have got to be there for your family, as a provider."

England scrum coach Tom Harrison confirmed the plans today, with Asher Opoku-Fordjour spotted at the Principality Stadium as the travelling reserve.

The Sale Sharks prop would take a seat on the bench should Genge drop everything for his newborn, with the plans in place for England's own push, as Steve Borthwick's side eye up their first Six Nations title since 2020.

"Yeah, he's (Genge) still here." Harrison confirmed. "You can see him outside in the on the pitch, he's still here. Obviously, look his wife due but we've got plans in place to cover that if he needs to shoot off.

"Yes, so we're all ready for that." Harrison then reiterated the plans in place, should Genge rush off to welcome the latest 'Baby Rhino' to the world. "Asher is here, travelling (reserve) yes."

How England and Scotland can still win the 2025 Six Nations

France, England, and Ireland are all in the hunt for Six Nations glory on a dramatic final day. With multiple scenarios in play, here’s what each team needs to do to be crowned champions.

Scotland – The Ultimate Wild Card

A long shot, but not mathematically impossible.

BP win over France + surpass them on points difference.
England lose to Wales but pick up a BP, with Scotland edging them on points difference.
Ireland slip up against Italy, allowing Scotland to leapfrog them.

If Scotland finish on 16 points, it’s all down to the calculator.

Ireland – Hoping for Chaos

Ireland need results to go their way, but it’s not impossible.

BP win over Italy + France & England fail to win: Ireland snatch the title with 20 points.
Win without a BP + France & England both lose: Ireland sneak in with 18 points.
Draw or two-BP loss: If France and England both lose, Ireland could still edge it on points difference.

England – Waiting for a French Stumble

Steve Borthwick’s men must take care of business against Wales and hope France slip up.

BP win over Wales + France lose/draw: England leapfrog to the title with 20 points.
Win without a BP + France fail to win: England take it with 19 points.
Draw or lose narrowly: A BP draw or two BPs in a loss could still be enough if France and Ireland both lose.
Points difference: If level with France, England must have the superior margin.

France – The Favourites, But Not Home Yet

France lead the pack and have the most direct path to the title.

A BP victory over Scotland seals the championship with 21 points. They’ll still take the title with 20 points—unless England secure a BP win. Still enough if England and Ireland don’t overtake them. France can still win

if England and Ireland both lose without bonuses.
Points difference: If they finish level with England or Ireland, it could come down to the scoreboard.

QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?

England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.

England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!

You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.