England suffer twin injury setbacks as Feyi‑Waboso and Tom Curry ruled out of autumn campaign

England have endured a fresh wave of injuries, with Manny Feyi‑Waboso and Tom Curry both withdrawn from the remainder of their autumn series. George Furbank, Ollie Chessum and Seb Atkinson are also likely to miss Saturday’s fixture against Japan, paving the way for Henry Pollock—whom scored twice in the previous match—to earn a rare start for a heavily altered XV.

Feyi‑Waboso suffered an ankle problem during the opening half of England’s 45‑22 win over Australia on Sunday and will miss the remaining autumn fixtures, including the matches against Japan, New Zealand and the final‑weekend showdown. Tom Curry, who incurred a hip injury in training last week, has also been ruled out for the rest of November.

Ben Curry started at openside flanker against Australia in place of his twin brother and performed well, but Steve Borthwick indicated that the player—recovering from a long‑term hamstring issue—is unlikely to retain his spot for the Japan clash, allowing Henry Pollock to secure his second England start in the back row. Pollock featured on the wing in the second half after Feyi‑Waboso’s injury, yet Borthwick expects to keep him in the pack rather than revert to a wing role.

George Furbank sustained a groin injury during his first England appearance in two years, while Seb Atkinson was withdrawn with a hip complaint and Ollie Chessum has a shoulder injury. The Red Roses are hopeful that all three can recover in time for the match against New Zealand a week later, but they must act quickly to have them fit for what could be England’s defining autumn fixture.

When asked whether he might move Pollock to the wing after his strong appearance against Australia, Borthwick replied: “It would be a consideration. I’ll probably be unlikely to do that. It’s not that I’m refraining from playing Henry on the wing, I think he might be needed in the back row.”

To fill the inside‑centre role left vacant by Atkinson, Borthwick will choose between Max Ojomoh—who starred for England A in their victory over an Argentina XV last Friday—and Fraser Dingwall. “Max’s performance was probably the standout [for England A],” Borthwick noted. “At 12, I think it’s more likely that I’ll be looking at Max Ojomoh or Fraser Dingwall as options.”

For the wing positions, Joe Marchant and Will Joseph are among the candidates Borthwick cited to replace Feyi‑Waboso, with Cadan Murley, Noah Caluori and Saracens’ Tobias Elliott also on the shortlist. Borthwick plans to rotate his backline to manage workloads ahead of a six‑day turnaround, potentially leaving Tommy Freeman out of the starting XV against Japan and resulting in two different wings being selected.

Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward are the primary contenders for the No 15 jersey, replacing the injured George Furbank. Borthwick also has several back‑row options to cover for Ollie Chessum, including Alex Coles shifting to blindside flanker alongside George Martin at lock. Greg Fisilau and Tom Pearson have been joined in the forward pack by Max Hicks—formerly of New Zealand Maori, who qualifies for England through his Cornish grandmother—and Harlequins’ Jack Kenningham. Borthwick has again resisted calling upon Courtney Lawes, who is now available following his summer move to Sale. Meanwhile, Northampton scrum‑half Archie McParland is fit and could make his Test debut against Japan.

Eddie Jones, England’s head coach from 2016 to 2022, suggested that Japan’s side would aim to unsettle Borthwick’s men with unexpected tactics, following the Brave Blossoms’ defeat by Wales on Saturday.

Borthwick remarked, “Eddie is an absolutely outstanding coach. I don’t know who the best rugby coaches in the world would be, but if you’re making a list of great coaches then he’s up towards the top. I’m sure Japan will have a tactical plan to come here and try and derail us. He’s very good at that.”

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