Although English rugby, specifically its Test side, is facing turbulent times, one cannot easily predict what’s to come, especially in anticipation of their upcoming Six Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham the following Saturday. A victory could completely shift the current perspective. The stadium in southwest London has not been a comfortable battleground for the Irish.
In the professional era, Ireland has defeated England at Twickenham just five times out of 17 matches, and suffering a loss in 12. From 2010 to date, Ireland has secured only two wins in their last nine matches at this venue, which occurred during the Grand Slam of 2018 and another victory in 2019. Furthermore, the only championship since 1972 when Ireland triumphed in both Twickenham and Paris was in the 2018 championship, where they won 24-15 and 15-13 respectively, with the latter victory credited to Johnny Sexton’s impressive opening round drop goal. Based on historical performances, Irish rugby teams have learnt not to be overconfident before matches at Twickenham.
Despite this, the current Irish squad is on a winning streak and is even being discussed as possible back-to-back Grand Slam winners – a feat they have not achieved before. Their recent noteworthy performances have earned them high praise from well-known rugby analysts such as Sam Warburton, John Barclay and Matt Dawson. Warburton confessed on BBC Radio, “I watch Ireland and I’m actually genuinely in awe of the way they’re playing,” while reminiscing about his time on the Welsh team, he admitted they weren’t nearly as good. The ex-Welsh and Lions backrow also stated that, in his opinion, Ireland is currently the best rugby team in the world, an opinion shared by Ugo Monye. According to Warburton, it’s uncertain who will be able to challenge them in the coming years.
The forthcoming possible downfall of Ireland in either the subsequent Saturday or coming summer in South Africa is undeniably anticipated. It would be intriguing to observe if Steve Borthwick, alongside England, opt to expand their offensive strategies or resort back to a more constricted game plan. They could potentially revert to the strategy used in the previous St Patrick’s Day to disrupt Ireland from obtaining the Slam.
The urge to drift back to a setpiece-fronted, kicking game might heighten if Hugo Keenan becomes unavailable and if Ciarán Frawley joins his second Test on the upcoming Saturday, especially if the climate is unsuitable. Regardless of the method they select, backed into a corner after the previous loss in Murrayfield, it can be expected that this English team would put up a tenacious fight in their last Twickenham appearance until the following November. This would be their chance for atonement.
However, this presents a complex challenge for Borthwick. In the unfortunate situation of England losing, they would advance to the fifth round finale on the subsequent Saturday night battling France in Lyons. This could result in the threat of ending with three losses out of five games for the fourth consecutive championship. (Four of their past eight victories in the previous four years have been accomplished against Italy. And three against Wales.) The summer includes a single Test against Eddie Jones’s Japan and twice against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the Premiership has witnessed a reduction from 13 to 10 clubs due to Wasps, Worcester and London Irish falling into liquidation. Simultaneously, Exeter has modified its ways accordingly.
This has resulted in a consistent, albeit not copious, transfer of English players to Top 14 clubs. Numerous players currently involved with French clubs are of confirmed international calibre, including Jack Nowell (30-years-old and 46 caps including two Lions Tests), Jack Willis (27, 14 caps), Henry Arundel, a London Irish academy product with ten English caps who has recently extended his tenure at Racing 92 until 2026. Others include Sam Simmonds, Joe Marchant and more. Subsequently, they have essentially disqualified themselves for England consideration. Amid the expected exit of Lewis Ludlam (28) from Northampton and Kyle Sinckler (31) from Bristol to Toulon, Owen Farrell’s choice to move to Racing is most striking.
At just 32 years old, long-serving Saracens and England captain, Owen Farrell, has omitted a considerably generous proposal from his club. Instead, he’s off to Paris, a choice that leads to his self-elimination from the national squad.
The reasoning behind Farrell’s decision remains unclear. However, it heavily hints towards the gruelling cyber-bullying he faced and the disheartening boos from English supporters during the world championship. In a statement, Farrell disclosed his withdrawal from the 2024 Six Nations, stating a need to focus on his and his family’s mental wellbeing. This came before publicising his transition to Racing.
After devoting his entire career to Saracens and England, Farrell’s pursuit of a change of atmosphere is justifiable. But his practical retirement from his English career implies that representing his country lost its former charm.
The professional playing reserve, whether in England or anywhere else, is moderately limited. A recent London Times article by Owen Slot recounted a case in point, a gloomy day at the World Cup, where some English players, their partners included, went to the Mediterranean abode of former Northampton lock Dave Ribbans (28). The residence, like all Top 14 players, features a swimming pool. Slot summarised his article with a thought-provoking headline, “Lose with England or lounge in France?”.
Surely, the condensation of their players has led to an commendable performance of English clubs in the Champions Cup. English rugby still boasts plenty of gifted athletes, with this year’s under-20s, confronting their Irish counterparts in Bath this Friday, appearing more robust than recent years.
However, the progress of English rugby on the testing field could use some enhancement. Imagining Farrell and the likes seeking refuge in France is difficult if everything in the English garden were flawless.