PREM Rugby Round 6: Five players who are unavailable for selection

Here’s a closer look at the five notable players who won’t be taking the field in this round of Premiership action.

Chessum continues to deal with a long-term foot issue and was seen on crutches at England’s training camp in Bagshot just three weeks ago He came off after 70 minutes in the 38–18 win over Fiji , where the problem finally worsened after six months of discomfort.

He said: “I’ve had a foot issue for six months and it finally gave way against Fiji. I got through the match, but it ruled me out of the last two autumn Tests. It’s just a matter of time now, and we’re not too far off. There’s a chance I’ll be fit for the European games.”

England wing Tom Roebuck faces several months out after suffering a toe injury during the All Blacks match in the Quilter Nations Series. His foot twisted awkwardly in a tackle, and he is now racing to recover in time for the start of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

England open their campaign against Wales on 7 February, and current estimates place Roebuck’s return around the first or second weekend of the tournament. The layoff may also affect his bid to stay in the England squad.

Bristol will be without Lions prop Ellis Genge for their clash with Premiership leaders Northampton Saints. Director of rugby Pat Lam has chosen to rest him after he played in all four of England’s autumn victories.

Under World Rugby regulations, players with heavy workloads in the Quilter Nations Series must take a compulsory rest week within the first three club fixtures, and with England facing Argentina on Sunday, this is Genge’s mandated break.

Jamie George missed England’s final Quilter Nations Series Test against Argentina due to a hamstring injury, something which will also keep him out of Saracens for a few weeks.

He said it is a “4–6 week issue, but I’m hoping to be back sooner. Realistically, I don’t run that fast anymore, so my hamstring doesn’t need to be perfect for me to play.”

Newcastle will not have Christian Wade available this weekend, but his debut for the club is approaching. The former Wasps, Racing 92, and Gloucester wing joined the Red Bulls after receiving a five-week rest period following his Super League spell with Wigan Warriors, despite not playing since July.

His arrival reunites him with coach Dickens, who worked with him during his England Saxons days, and the winger is expected to give Newcastle a major boost. However, he will not feature against Leicester Tigers this weekend.