The back-three Steve Borthwick should select this summer for England is box-office
Rugby NewsWednesday, 15 May 2024 at 08:38
As England gears up for a thrilling summer tour, the spotlight falls on the crucial selection of the back-three players who promise to ignite the field with a blend of flair, power, and innate talent.
England's Summer Tour: A Challenge Awaits
England's summer tour kicks off with a clash against Japan in June, followed by an eagerly awaited journey to New Zealand, marking their first visit to the Kiwi nation since 2014. Both teams find themselves in transition, grappling with the departure of key players post-World Cup, compounded by New Zealand's embrace of a new head coach, Scott Robertson.
Fullback - George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
In a surprising turn of events during the 2024 Six Nations, George Furbank edged out Freddie Steward for the fullback position, bringing a touch of flair and versatility to the role.
Despite facing criticism following his international debut in 2020, Furbank has honed his skills and now stands poised to claim the starting fullback spot for England, even at the expense of Steward.
Drawing comparisons to Ireland's influential Hugo Keenan, Furbank is primed to take the initiative against Japan and New Zealand, rather than waiting for opportunities to arise.
Winger - Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)
Ollie Sleightholme epitomizes the natural-born finisher, thriving within Northampton Saints' attacking ethos. As the Premiership's top try-scorer, Sleightholme's rapid ascent suggests he's destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, Jon, onto the international stage.
With blistering pace and unwavering determination, he's notched an impressive 14 tries in just 12 Premiership appearances this season, putting him in contention alongside sharp operators like Sale's Aaron Reed and Bath's Will Muir.
Winger - Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso emerges as the fastest-rising star in English rugby, making waves for both club and country since making the leap from National One with Taunton Titans to the Premiership last summer.
His recent standout performance against Quins showcased his multifaceted skill set, combining robust defense, sharp awareness, and an insatiable hunger for possession.
Balancing his rugby pursuits with studies in medicine at Exeter University, Feyi-Waboso's potential remains untapped, with Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter highlighting room for further growth and development.
With George Furbank, Ollie Sleightholme, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leading the charge, England's back-three promises to be a formidable force, capable of causing headaches for any team in the world this summer.
Best-paid rugby players list REVEALED: French newspaper name top earners…
RUCK.co.uk examines the top six highest-paid players in the world. We've based our figures on reports from trusted news sources and databases to boost our accuracy.
All figures mentioned are before tax – unless specified – and do not include bonuses, extra fees and players' various sponsorship deals which, in some cases, can instantly double their annual income.
Highest-paid rugby players in the world 2023
6. Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) - £610,000
During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.
However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.
Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
5. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) - £700,000
The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.
Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
3. Dan Biggar (Toulon) - £800,000
The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £850,000
When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that he is bringing home around £800,000.
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Finn Russell (Bath) - £1million
The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.
However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.
Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.
1. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £1.2m
Owen Farrell is set to bid farewell to English rugby at the conclusion of this season, as the Saracens fly-half secures a lucrative three-season contract with Racing 92.
The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.
The Telegraph later confirmed the blockbuster move, disclosing that Farrell has officially inked a three-year deal with Racing 92.
A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”
One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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