England bring back Marchant and Joseph as backline injury worries rise

Facing a growing list of back-line injuries, England head coach Steve Borthwick has added centre Joe Marchant and wing Will Joseph to his November squad. Marchant, absent since moving to Stade Francais after the 2023 World Cup and now with Sale, is back in contention, while Joseph seeks his first start after a strong season with Gloucester. The recall comes as Benhard Janse van Rensburg remains sidelined with a serious head injury and several players, including Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, continue rehab.

The 36-man squad, featuring a mix of seasoned internationals and uncapped prospects such as Archie McParland, will meet at Pennyhill Park for a two-day training camp before the Nations Championship matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand. England will return to club duties on Tuesday before the tournament’s final weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.