‘Impressive’ New Zealand-born forward close to England selection while Steve Borthwick ‘contacts’ Wales target

England head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed that there could be several new names in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Headlining the group may well be Exeter Chiefs’ talented duo Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots, who have ‘impressed’ the national team boss this season.

Feyi-Waboso has been the name on everyone’s lips recently following his impressive displays for the Chiefs and the fact that he qualifies for either England or Wales.

He is Welsh-born, has a strong accent and was in Cardiff’s academy as recently as 2022, but he could also play for the Red Rose.

Recent interview

The speedster recently intimated that he had been in contact with either or both of Warren Gatland and Borthwick ahead of the Six Nations, and the England head coach confirmed that he has “chatted to” Feyi-Waboso.

Borthwick also offered Roots’ name as a potential option for the upcoming tournament, with the 24-year-old Kiwi shining for the Chiefs in 2023/24.

Born and raised in New Zealand, the flanker was at the Crusaders before he signed for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship.

He then moved to Exeter for the start of the Premiership campaign and qualifies for the Red Rose through his father.

“I’ve chatted to both of those players, yes,” England’s boss told reporters. “I name a [Six Nations] squad on Jan 17 and what the players need to do is play well and earn their place in the selection. It is a competitive mix.

“As we watch the Premiership now, there are a lot of teams playing well, there are a lot of teams competing. Clearly I have a breakdown of all the performances of the teams and individuals and how everyone is playing, but we are also seeing record attendances at the weekend, the viewing numbers are up.

“We are seeing a competitive league with the number of teams fighting to make the top four. It is a good competition. We are seeing how well the teams did in the first two rounds of Europe. I’m seeing a lot of good performances.”

Other options

Despite the recent struggles of English rugby, which has seen clubs run into financial trouble, the product on the field has been strong.

A number of young players are impressing, which has led to an entertaining and closely fought domestic season.

The teams have also been competitive in Europe and that could bode well for the Red Rose in the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

“As you’re watching all these Premiership and European games, there’s a crop of young players starting to emerge, young players that are really pushing their case,” Borthwick added.

“The likes of (Greg) Fisilau at Exeter, Feyi-Waboso at Exeter, just to name a couple, those guys are impressive. Without meaning to talk just about Exeter, the way Ethan Roots is playing [is also impressive].

“There are players that have missed out on World Cup selection that have handled it in a manner that’s been really impressive, the likes of Tommy Freeman, playing centre [and] wing.

“Sladey (Henry Slade), he was unfortunate to miss out on that final 33, and to play the way he’s been playing, he’s been excellent. Then you’ve got the guys who’ve come back from the World Cup, the English boys have played a lot.

“Maro’s (Itoje) playing well, Ben Earl’s back from injury and it’s great to see him back on the pitch. The way Alex Mitchell’s been playing, there’s a lot of competition for places right now.”

READ MORE: Kevin Sinfield makes decision on England future after ‘period of reflection’