-Credit:Huw Evans Picture Agency
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, January 15.
Former England stars brand Gatland call ‘madness’
England internationals Danny Care and Chris Ashton were left stunned by Warren Gatland’s decision to omit Max Llewellyn from Wales’ Six Nations squad.
The England veterans admitted they were baffled by some of Gatland’s selections, with Llewellyn and Gareth Anscombe among the big names being left out. Llewellyn has been dropped completely despite starting every autumn international in the 13 jersey.
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Speaking on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Ashton said: “The main one is Max Llewellyn. I had to check it three times to see his name wasn’t on there. That one is madness. Someone has to explain that one, it’s crazy.”
Care agreed, saying: “Yeh, that is mad. He’s bang in form, playing well with other Welsh lads at Gloucester.” The Harlequins scrum-half was also confused about the continued decision to overlook his club team-mate Jarrod Evans. Care suggested Evans himself thought he may still be barred under the 25-cap rule, but the WRU have confirmed he is not.
Care added: “There are still some really baffling omissions but they must know more than we know. There’s obviously still some confusion about this (25-cap) rule. I look at Jarrod Evans and think this is the perfect opportunity to bring him back in the squad. A 10, on form, playing well. A young 10 who has played for Wales before who could make it to the World Cup and has brilliant moments in him.”
Gatland revealed Llewellyn barely touched the ball against South Africa in November and has been told to work on certain aspects of his game.
Ashton dismissed that argument, saying: “A prime point is him saying Max Llewellyn didn’t get the ball against South Africa. He isn’t struggling to get the ball at Gloucester. It’s up to the coaches to find a way to get him into the game. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Care concluded: “I’m a little bit bemused and apprehensive over the rationale,” adding: “If Wales are 0 and 17 (defeats in a row) at the end of this Six Nations… Jesus Christ, I would be annoyed if I was a Welsh fan.”
Borthwick backs new skipper Maro Itoje to lead England at 2027 World Cup
By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent
Steve Borthwick insists Maro Itoje can lead England into the next World Cup after appointing him captain for the upcoming Six Nations at the expense of Jamie George.
Borthwick met Itoje on Monday to ask his former Saracens colleague to take charge of the team and, according to the head coach, was met with a smile that “could have lit up the whole of England”.
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George was demoted to vice-captain following a 2024 which produced only five wins in 12 Tests and at a time when his position as first-choice hooker is coming under pressure from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Theo Dan.
It means that Itoje, four years his junior at 30, will be skipper for the first time, although he deputised for George throughout the past 12 months when his Saracens team-mate was substituted.
Borthwick has told England’s forward talisman that he has the opportunity to make the role his own until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“As we sit here right now yes, I don’t see why not. Maro will do everything he can to help serve this team and be the best leader he can,” Borthwick said.
“Maro thinks really well under pressure. He stays calm under pressure. The way he goes about his work every single day is first class.
“When I watch the way the players look at him, I go ‘this is a guy that players will get behind and really follow’.
“I’ve told Maro I want him to captain in his way. Everyone sees the commitment with which he plays.
“When you have somebody that fights that hard for the shirt and for his team, it’s somebody everyone can relate to.
“He’s a truly world-class player who we all have incredible respect for, so I’m glad he’s going to be the captain.”
While Itoje was elated by the news, Borthwick faced a difficult conversation with George.
“It was challenging. I’ve known Jamie for a very long time. He’s a wonderful player and for such a long time he’s been central to this England team and an incredible influence on English rugby,” Borthwick said.
“He was clearly disappointed but at the same point in time he’s also always putting the team first.”
Feyi-Waboso out of Six Nations
Steve Borthwick has confirmed wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and flanker Sam Underhill will be unavailable for the entire Six Nations after undergoing surgery for shoulder and ankle injuries respectively.
Cardiff-born winger Feyi-Waboso dislocated his shoulder in Exeter’s 28-10 defeat to Sale Sharks on Dec. 21. There was a suggestion he would manage the injury to avoid surgery and try and stake a claim for a Lions place over the coming weeks, but Borthwick has confirmed he will undergo the procedure later this week.
The timeframe on his return is 10-12 weeks, which means he should be fit for the Lions tour of Australia this summer, if selected.