What happened next? Eddie Jones first 5 England debutants

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Saturday, 31 October 2020 at 07:39

byRugby Rucker

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It’s fair to say that Eddie Jones five first debutants are all now enjoying pretty varied international careers:

1. Jack Clifford

Debut: v Scotland at Murrayfield
Age: 27
Position: Flanker
Caps: 10
Status: Retired

The former Harlequins back-rower started Eddie Jones' first game in charge at Murrayfield, and looked set to establish himself as a regular for years to come. However, following a succession of injuries, he was forced to retire at the age of 27 in August 2020 due to a shoulder problem. He captained England at under-18 and under-20 level, winning the Junior World Championship title in 2013.

2. Paul Hill

Debut: v Italy at Rome
Age: 25
Position: Prop
Caps: 5
Status: Active

He made his Premiership debut against Worcester Warriors in October 2015 and just three months later he was called into Eddie Jones’ England squad for the 2016 Six Nations, where he made his international debut in Rome. He was also selected for England's summer tour to Australia in 2016, helping his side to their first-ever series win over the Wallabies, and played for the Red Rose against the Barbarians in a non-capped fixture in 2019.

3. Maro Itoje

Debut: v Italy at Rome
Age: 26
Position: Lock
Caps: 41
Status: Active

The powerhouse was a new member of the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations, and has since gone on to establish himself as a regular starter. In 2014, Maro captained England U20 to victory at the Junior World Championship final. Two years later he made his debut against Italy as part of a remarkable run which saw him on the winning side in 26 out of 27 games for club and country. Maro made three Test appearances for the British & Irish Lions against New Zealand in 2017 and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

4. Elliot Daly

Debut: v Ireland at Twickenham
Age: 28
Position: Wing, Centre, Fullback
Caps: 45
Status: Active

Excelling in high-profile matches, he celebrated his first senior start for his country with a monster left-footed penalty against South Africa in November 2016 and the following week had his maiden Test try against Fiji. Daly then went on to win selection for the 2017 British & Irish Lions in New Zealand, and started all three Tests on the left wing against the All Blacks. He was also part of the England squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

5. Ellis Genge

Debut: v Ireland at Twickenham
Age: 25
Position: Prop
Caps: 18
Status: Active

It took a bit of time after his debut, but Genge has become a regular member of England squads under Eddie Jones and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He previously represented England U17, U18 and U19 before figuring in eight matches for the U20 side in 2015, including the World Rugby Championship final against New Zealand.