England suffer huge injury blow ahead of Autumn Nations Series
Rugby NewsWednesday, 27 August 2025 at 20:51
Bath head coach Johann van Graan has given a major boost to fans of England centre Ollie Lawrence, revealing the star is “ahead of schedule” in his comeback from a serious Achilles injury.
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Lawrence suffered the injury on Test duty during the Six Nations and was initially ruled out until December. While Van Graan’s update offers hope, the centre will not be ready for the fast-approaching 2025 Autumn Nations Series. His next realistic shot at international rugby is now the 2026 Six Nations.
The former Worcester man has been keeping supporters updated on his rehab, sharing a video on Tuesday showing him starting running preparations. Van Graan confirmed the 25-year-old is in “great shape” and could return to action sooner than first anticipated.
“I’m not going to make any predictions because it’s such a big injury. We’ll take our time with him, but what I will say is he’s in great physical shape; you can see he’s in the gym a lot,” Van Graan said.
“Ollie is a great professional, and he’s been ultra-professional when it comes to this and doing everything he possibly can. If there were a schedule, I would say he’s ahead of it. We’re very happy with him and the national team are very happy with him, he’s one of their best players so there’s been good dialogue.
“He’s part of our group, he and Jaco (Cotezee) came with us to Cardiff (for the EPCR Challenge Cup final) and they’ll be with us this week again. He’s doing his very best to get back as quickly as he can and in the best possible condition he can.
"He’s controlling what he can control, which is his rehab, his body shape and trying to get better.”
England Autumn 2025 Fixtures
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USA’s Ilona Maher is one of rugby’s richest stars with huge net worth
From iconic players to unexpected names, here’s the ultimate countdown of rugby’s wealthiest stars.
10. Owen Farrell – £1.46 million ($2 million)
Saracens’ General on and off the field
Owen Farrell isn’t just Saracens’ leader; he’s their financial giant too. His loyalty to the club pays off handsomely, with most of his £1.46 million net worth stemming from his Premiership dominance.
Owen Farrell isn’t just Saracens’ leader; he’s their financial giant too. His loyalty to the club pays off handsomely, with most of his £1.46 million net worth stemming from his Premiership dominance.
9. Maro Itoje – £1.46 million ($2 million)
England and Saracens’ towering presence
Maro Itoje matches Owen Farrell both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje’s salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
Maro Itoje matches Owen Farrell both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje’s salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
8. Charles Piutau – £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
A marquee signing with a marquee salary
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn’t just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn’t just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
7. Handré Pollard – £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
A Springbok with serious earning power
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard’s earnings hit around R15 million per season.
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard’s earnings hit around R15 million per season.
6. Ilona Maher – £3 million
A trailblazer on and off the pitch
Ilona Maher’s influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport’s most marketable athletes.
Ilona Maher’s influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport’s most marketable athletes.
5. Mike Tindall – £9.98 million ($13 million)
The royal connection
Rugby royalty and actual royalty collide in Mike Tindall. A World Cup winner in 2003, Tindall’s fortunes come from a mix of his rugby career, business ventures, and media appearances. Despite a few legal hurdles, his net worth is nearing £10 million.
Rugby royalty and actual royalty collide in Mike Tindall. A World Cup winner in 2003, Tindall’s fortunes come from a mix of his rugby career, business ventures, and media appearances. Despite a few legal hurdles, his net worth is nearing £10 million.
4. Jonny Wilkinson – £20.9 million ($29 million)
England’s golden boy turned financial giant
Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup drop goal didn’t just win a trophy—it built a brand. Now the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson’s ventures in coaching, commentary, and endorsements have significantly boosted his net worth.
Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup drop goal didn’t just win a trophy—it built a brand. Now the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson’s ventures in coaching, commentary, and endorsements have significantly boosted his net worth.
3. Sonny Bill Williams – £21.8 million ($30 million)
A dual-code dynamo
Sonny Bill Williams has excelled in both union and league, earning a fortune in France and through high-profile endorsements. With a net worth of £21.8 million, his career is as lucrative as it is legendary.
Sonny Bill Williams has excelled in both union and league, earning a fortune in France and through high-profile endorsements. With a net worth of £21.8 million, his career is as lucrative as it is legendary.
2. Sir Bill Gammell – £38.8 million ($50 million)
From rugby to business titan
Once a Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell transitioned into the business world, building an empire. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell’s success spans far beyond the pitch.
Once a Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell transitioned into the business world, building an empire. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell’s success spans far beyond the pitch.
1. Simon McDowell – £39.3 million ($54 million)
From referee to chemical company mogul
Simon McDowell might not be the first name you associate with wealth in rugby, but his financial success is unparalleled. After officiating at two Rugby World Cups, McDowell’s fortune skyrocketed thanks to his chemical company, Kilwaughter. His £39.3 million net worth tops the list.
Simon McDowell might not be the first name you associate with wealth in rugby, but his financial success is unparalleled. After officiating at two Rugby World Cups, McDowell’s fortune skyrocketed thanks to his chemical company, Kilwaughter. His £39.3 million net worth tops the list.
QUIZ: Can You Name Every England Six Nations Captain (2000 – 2024)
Today, we pose you the challenge of naming all 20 previous England captains, that have led the country in the modern Six Nations Championships.
From 2000 to today, some of these captains only led the side for a handful of matches, whilst others had numerous campaigns under the belt.
Good luck, your time starts now!
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