Five uncapped players to make England’s provisional 55-man Rugby World Cup squad

The Telegraph has tipped the following five uncapped players in his squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

They wrote: "His chief strength is an uncanny ability to ride tackles on or behind the gain-line and eke out momentum. Doing this consistently and effectively for Bordeaux, in such a tough competition full of big men, has reinforced his value since the demise of Wasps. Saracens have made an exceptional signing for next season."

The back-rower from London Irish has been in outstanding form for the Exiles this season, excelling in every aspect of the game.

Although Borthwick will have numerous choices in the back-row, Pearson’s ability to play in all three positions and his reliability in the lineouts make him a valuable asset.

Pearson is a tough defender, and he also performs well in the breakdown, averaging over one turnover per match in the Premiership.

They wrote: "As question marks linger over the fitness of Luke Cowan-Dickie, there is space for a mobile hooker and Dan has stormed out of left field. He began the season on loan at Ampthill, having served apprenticeships at Old Alleynians and Bishop’s Stortford while converting from centre to the front row."

This season, Dan, an explosive young hooker, has made a big impact with a string of exceptional displays.

Although his scrummaging and lineout skills are impressive, it is his ability to carry the ball and contribute across the field that has caught the attention of many.

His performances have been nothing short of impressive.

They wrote: "There are other uncapped centres, such as Fraser Dingwall. There are other uncapped Gloucester players deserving of a call-up, such as Freddie Clarke. This World Cup might well come a year early for Atkinson; and yet there are a number of factors working in his favour."

After leaving Worcester Warriors in November last year, Atkinson joined the Cherry & Whites. He had already shown promising signs while playing for Worcester, making his senior debut against Gloucester in December 2021, and subsequently featuring in several Gallagher Premiership matches.

At 20 years old, Atkinson made his debut for Gloucester Rugby in a Premiership Cup fixture against Bristol, and left his mark by scoring a stunning solo try. He continued to impress with a series of noteworthy performances in the Premiership Rugby Cup, earning him a regular spot in the Cherry & Whites' midfield this season. He has made a total of 12 appearances across all competitions.

George Skivington, the Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby, has been delighted with Atkinson's progress and development since joining the team.

They wrote: "His chief strength is an uncanny ability to ride tackles on or behind the gain-line and eke out momentum. Doing this consistently and effectively for Bordeaux, in such a tough competition full of big men, has reinforced his value since the demise of Wasps. Saracens have made an exceptional signing for next season."

The 23-year-old, who has been playing for Bordeaux after leaving Wasps is one of the finest back-row prospects in the country and will join Saracens next season.

The former England Under 20’s captain will spend the remainder of the season in the Top 14, and then make the move back to the Gallagher Premiership in the summer on a long-term deal.

Willis spoke only last month about his ambition of playing for England together with his brother.

They wrote: "England encourage their wings to swing off the touchlines and hunt touches. Murley is at ease with this remit. You do not score 15 tries in a Premiership season without being proactive. He has produced strong defensive interventions this season, too. The latter led to further recognition for Hassell-Collins."

Harlequins winger Murley has had an outstanding season at the Twickenham Stoop, and has certainly put himself in contention for an England debut. Harlequins take on Leicester Tigers in their final Gallagher Premiership match this weekend, with the 23-year-old currently topping the try-scoring charts, with 14 scores this season.

The timing could not have been better for Murley, as the 23-year-old looks to close out the regular season on top, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Murley narrowly missed out on the top spot last season, and with Newcastle Falcons' Matteo Carreras breathing down his neck with 13 tries, the Harlequin aims to solidify top spot with a few more tries at Welford Road.

"I just got pipped last year by Max (Max Malins), so that's definitely something that I want to get a hold of at some point. Like you said, you can't force it, you can't go out of shape to try and force it, you've just got to back that the team are going to do their job, and hopefully get the ball to me. But yeah, I definitely will be sniffing in and around this weekend."

"I think if you watch Quins play, I don't think we have much conservatism or pragmatism anyway. But we'll just be playing our usual way, and I'll be looking to get off the likes of Marcus (Smith) and Dommers (Alex Dombrandt), and feed of them. As you saw last weekend, or when we played at Big Summer Kick-Off, if you get in and around them, there'll be line breaks, there'll be little chances for offloads.

"I don't think much changes. I think obviously it does help that we've got a little bit of freedom, as we're not playing to secure a place in the top four. We are gutted about that, but like I said, this is a chance to hopefully get that whole team performance, but hopefully grab a couple of tries as well."

A source of many ‘try-lights’, Murley’s best photo finish came early on this season. The 23-year-old’s diving try against Northampton Saints in October, after beating three back-peddling defenders along the left wing, certainly got the conversation started for an England call-up. Murley picked that try out as his favourite score of the season, and highlighted additional efforts in the recent London derby."