Courtney Lawes returns! Ranking England’s back-row options as Steve Borthwick dealt a timely World Cup boost
Ranked: England backrow options with the inclusion of Courtney Lawes
With Courtney Lawes’ return to the PREM confirmed and a possible England return on the cards, Planet Rugby have set out the current backrow options available to Steve Borthwick.
First up, those on the outside looking in from a distance.
A stretch
Ethan Roots: The New Zealand-born, Exeter Chiefs blindside flanker made an impressive start to his international career with a player of the match performance in his debut against Italy in 2024, going on to make three further appearances in that year’s Six Nations. He’s since fallen down the pecking order, however, last appearing for England A against the All Blacks XV in November 2025 after a year and a half absence from international duties.
Tom Pearson: A regular starter for Northampton Saints, the 26-year-old was a key figure in their PREM-winning season of 2023/24 and, as a result, earned multiple call-ups to England’s ‘A’ team. His one and only Test cap came in the summer of 2023, in a World Cup warm-up match against Wales.
Greg Fisilau: Although only 22 years young, the Exeter number eight is making some serious moves in the PREM, having already scored nine tries this season and appeared in two England A Test matches. While he’s expected to be a big figure in the full senior side in years to come, his big break has not yet arrived.
Fitz Harding: The Bristol Bears captain has fought hard to get into the position he’s in, and was rewarded with two England A caps and a Barbarians call-up in the Autumn as a result. While he’s still arguably a way off in terms of senior selection, his leadership qualities around camp would be a hugely positive addition.
Lewis Ludlow: The veteran flanker is yet to add to his two Test caps back in 2021, but his work rate and ability around the park cannot be understated. He’s the heartbeat of the Gloucester side, having made his first team debut over a decade ago, and would certainly hold his own in international colours.
Outside chance
Ted Hill: Before the arrival of Henry Arundell at Bath, Hill was the undisputed fastest man at the club. An unbelievable athlete, the 27-year-old first made his England debut in 2018, but failed to capitalise on the initial faith shown by then-head coach, Eddie Jones. Last season, he made three appearances for England from the bench and started in England A’s loss to France A. He was also a key member of the treble-winning Bath side, notably starring in their PREM final victory over Leicester in 2025.
Jack Kenningham: The giant back rower is in fine form for Harlequins, with one of his standout performances this season being an incredible shift against the Stormers in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages. Although he’s yet to achieve full senior status for England, he did show out for the ‘A’ side last season, getting 80 minutes against Ireland A, as well as the final quarter against France A.
Alex Dombrandt: It’s been a bit of a downward slide for the dynamic Quins number eight after first being selected for England in 2021. By the 2022/23 season, he was in firm control of the England shirt, but he has since found himself limited to substitute appearances and missed out on this year’s Six Nations entirely. At 28 years old, he still has plenty of time to get himself back into contention, but his chances are dwindling.
Alfie Barbaery: The Saracens-bound star is in the form of his life, having taken Bath’s European hopes by the scruff of its neck and charged forwards like the collosal impact machine he was destined to be. Senior Test matches have so far eluded him, but the former ‘hot prospect’ is proving to all around him why he deserves to push on from his solitary England A showing.
Wider squad
Courtney Lawes: The return of big Courts was not on anyone’s bingo cards this year, yet here we are. The former international star, with over a century of caps, is back after two years in the second division of French rugby, and has not ruled out a return to the England squad. In his prime, he was one of the most fearsome flankers in all of Europe and would have certainly made the matchday squad. The question is whether he still has what it takes.
Ben Curry: Being a Curry twin, he was always destined for international honours. But unlike his brother Tom, Ben had to wait until much later in his career to be given the opportunity. Now with a whole host of caps to his name, Curry’s international pedigree is confirmed, yet his standing in the pecking order isn’t yet sealed. Borthwick knows what he can do and trusts him to do his job, but his appearances have often coincided with injuries within the back row.
Chandler Cunningham-South: A giant of a man, standing at almost 2 metres and weighing 120 kilograms, the 23-year-old is best used to make an impact against a tiring defence. He’s regularly seen action since his debut in 2024, and will certainly be in Borthwick’s plans moving forward.
Matchday squad
Ollie Chessum: Doubling up as a second row, Chessum is quickly becoming one of England’s most important players, and his performance against France in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations showed his quality around the park. While he’s more likely to join Maro Itoje in the lock, his versatility provides a fantastic option for Borthwick.
Henry Pollock: The young man, unapologetic for the way he is, has taken the rugby world by storm. For sure, he’s far from the finished article, but his energy and work rate around the pitch, as well as his natural athletic ability, cannot be overlooked. Expect the blonde bomber to make a huge impact from the bench.
Tom Curry: Having made his international debut at just 19 years old, Curry has since established himself as one of the world’s best flankers. He’s appeared on two Lions tours, won a Six Nations Championship and played in a World Cup final. Despite coming through multiple injury issues, Curry is still the man for the big occasions, even if lately he’s been used more as an impact replacement off the bench.
Sam Underhill: The second part of the Kamikaze Kids, alongside Tom Curry, Underhill is arguably one of the greatest tacklers to have played the game. His technique is elite, with an incredible number of colleagues and fans citing him as the best in the business. Like Curry, his international career has been affected greatly by injury, but when fit, he is always one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Guy Pepper: One of the younger names on this list, but no less impressive. His journey from Newcastle Falcons to Bath Rugby has been nothing short of transformative. His quality was there for all to see before the move, but playing alongside the talent within the Bath squad has elevated his game to another level. At only 22 years of age, he’s nailed down the starting spot in all but one of his England games this season.
Ben Earl: Often utilised as a number eight rather than his preferred position of flanker, the Saracens star has established himself as one of the most explosive players in world rugby. With a leg drive comparable to very few others, he’s one of the few guaranteed starters within the England XV.
