England team to play Australia confirmed: Borthwick springs surprise

Scroll down for the England team to play Australia in full.

Saturday 1 November (kick-off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports). 

England’s opening fixture of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series sees Maro Itoje named as captain with Ellis Genge, George Ford and Jamie George supporting as vice-captains. 

The match marks a significant milestone for Luke Cowan-Dickie, who is set to win his 50th England cap from the bench, having made his debut against France in 2015.   

It will also be the first England appearance at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for Guy Pepper and Henry Pollock. 

“We’re excited to begin our Quilter Nations Series campaign against Australia and to test ourselves against a strong, in-form side,” said Borthwick. 

“Australia have had four months together, so it’ll be a great challenge for us first up. We’ve worked hard with the time we’ve had, and the players can’t wait to play in front of a passionate home crowd. 

“It’s another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a team.”

On Cowan-Dickie’s 50-cap milestone, Borthwick added: 

“Luke is a fierce competitorwho gives absolutely everything every time he pulls on an England shirt. Reaching 50 caps is a reflection of his consistency, resilience and commitment to the team over many years. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.” 

England’s clash with the Wallabies is followed by home fixtures at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.

Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: Twickenham Stadium
Kick-off: 3:10pm (UK time)

Live coverage begins at 2pm on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+.

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+.
TNT Sports is available through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media subscribers, offering access to up to ten sports channels and TNT Sports Ultimate in HD.

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)

14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 6 caps) 

13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)

12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)

10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 102 caps) – vice-captain

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 23 caps)

1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 14 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 102 caps) – vice-captain 

3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)

6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)

7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 42 caps) 

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 42 caps) 

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)

17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 71 caps) – vice-captain

18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 50 caps)

19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)

20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 61 caps) 

21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)

22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)

23. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)