"Moving on" - Kyle Sinckler the latest England star reportedly ending career

had previously indicated Toulon's interest in Ludlam after his stellar performances in the early stages of the World Cup, and they have since extended a tempting offer to him.

As for Sinckler, he appears to be the next high-priority target, especially amid reports suggesting that he is unlikely to renew his contract with Bristol Bears. If he does move to Toulon, that would be the end of his international career.

Sinckler's journey to international recognition can be traced back to his early days, where he drew inspiration from the renowned New Zealand prop, Carl Hayman.

This inspiration propelled him through the ranks, earning him a spot in the England squad for the tour of Australia in June 2016, after previously representing England XV against the Barbarians and facing the Crusaders during a senior tour of New Zealand. Sinckler's development led him through the Harlequins Academy, following a decade with Battersea Ironsides.

His first England cap came as a replacement against South Africa in November 2016. His consistent form earned him a place as one of four England props in the British & Irish Lions squad for New Zealand, where he was named on the bench for all three Tests.

Sinckler's maiden start for England occurred against Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations. Notably, during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Sinckler was a key figure, featuring in every match as England advanced to the final, and he scored a memorable try against Australia in the quarter-finals.

Sinckler's Lions journey continued in 2021, as he contributed from the bench in every Test. He then played a key role for Borthwick during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Here, RUCK provides a closer look at the cohort in question...

Lawes has been a stalwart in the England team, amassing over 100 appearances and representing his country in four World Cups. 

His outstanding performances for both club and country also earned him the privilege of participating in two British & Irish Lions tours during his Test career.

Lawes said: “I haven’t told Steve yet! But I will let him know.

“I’ve said to the boys, anyone that’s asked. I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that.

“It’s a bit of an end of an era, but it’s been a real honour for me to represent England for so long. It flies by.

“I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on. It’s not always been the ups. Plenty of downs in there, but I’ve pushed through.

“I’m not an emotional person really, but it’s just been a huge honour for me.

Marler is set to bid farewell to England duty once again, a decision he previously made back in 2018. He confessed that a meeting with Borthwick played a crucial role in persuading him to strive for a spot in the squad.

Reflecting on this, the Harlequins player shared, "It might have been two years ago when I was thinking: 'Not a chance do I want to go to another World Cup,' earlier this summer. "But as it’s got a bit closer, I’ve been thinking: ‘Let’s give it a go.’"

The 34-year-old scrum-half will earn his 127th cap for England when he starts against the Pumas in his first appearance of the tournament.

Youngs currently ranks below Alex Mitchell and his Leicester team-mate Jack van Poortvliet in the pecking order for the England squad.

This weekend's Bronze Final match against Argentina in Paris will be Youngs' last as an England player. He will retire with 127 caps, more than any other male player in England Rugby history. As he prepares to take to the field for one last time, Youngs reflects on his been a record-breaking career.

"I feel unbelievably proud and privileged to have done this for so long," he said. "The memories and teammates I’ve made along the way, as well as all the highs and lows, have helped shape me into the person I am today. 

"It’s been an absolute privilege to have been given support from my family and the England fans as well. I'd like to thank you all very much for getting behind the team, for cheering us through the good times and for picking us up through the bad times.

"It’s a great honour now that I get to play one more game on Friday night and close a chapter that I’m very proud of."

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The lightning-fast winger was initially excluded from the squad, but another opportunity arose when Anthony Watson withdrew due to injury. May has been extraordinarily prolific on the international stage, notching 36 tries in 78 appearances, solidifying his status as the second-highest try-scorer in England's history.

Just this month, the 33-year-old Gloucester standout candidly acknowledged that this World Cup would 'definitely' be his last, emphasizing, "It will most likely be my last time playing for England. Never say never but probably, most likely, this will be the last campaign I’ll have with England, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here. So just rip in and give everything I can for this last period of time."

The fourth-highest appearance maker of all time for England was dropped for three years after his poor performance in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. And Borthwick raised eyebrows by bringing him back into the fold this time around.

Cole, 36, is coming to the end of his fourth World Cup campaign, after which he is expected to call time on a 13-year international career that has seen him rack up 106 caps. "For the last four years I didn't think it would happen," admitted the Leicester Tigers veteran last month.

The 36-year-old initiated his England journey in 2008. Much like his teammate Marler, he conceded that a discussion with Borthwick ignited the belief that making the squad for this year's World Cup could be a reality.

In his own words, he shared, "When Steve picked up the phone and extended the opportunity for me to come in and compete for a spot, I've never hung up a call with more excitement."

With his contract at Harlequins set to conclude at the end of the season, it appears increasingly probable that Care will not only bid adieu to his international career in the upcoming months but also retire from the sport altogether.

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