Earlier this week, England Head Coach Steve Borthwick named his squad going into the 2024 Six Nations Championship. The squad includes 7 uncapped players and a new captain in 33-year-old Hooker, Jamie George.
The squad is being represented as a fresh start with an exciting new array of talented youngsters getting their first taste of international rugby.
Because of this, there are many reasons for English fans to get excited as the 2024 Six Nations will be the first time in 12 years that a changing of the guard of this magnitude has taken place.
The last time that a new era within English rugby was quite so obvious was in the 2012 Six Nations where Stuart Lancaster took charge of the side after a disappointing 2011 World Cup exit. That side had a new captain in Chris Robshaw with young and exciting talents like Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi.
That 2012 tournament saw a spirited display from the young stars still finding their way on the international ladder. But for a last gasp losing effort against Wales, England showed much promise for the future, injecting a new sheen of professionalism and a newfound ability to score tries from anywhere on the pitch with fantastic displays against France and then Ireland.
This time round however, Borthwick certainly seems to have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, and the prospect of a young and fearless side could see a far more exciting style of play as opposed to the conservative kicking game that England had played at the World Cup.
Lifelong England supporter, Jon Barnstead, 51, who rarely misses a chance to watch England at Twickenham had this to say about the potential for the fresh side.
“There’s no doubt for me that this new England side is something to get excited about,” He said. “This team really does have the potential to get the country excited about rugby again, which is sorely needed of course.”
It is hoped as well that the experienced Jamie George can lead English rugby to a more positive place on and off the field as he fills the boots of the ever-controversial Owen Farrell who is taking a break from international rugby.
However optimistic, the latest inauguration of ‘Rugby’s Greatest Championship’ will be sure to generate buzz over the course of the next two months.