England Dealt Blow as Star Prop Ellis Genge Ruled Out of Japan and New Zealand Tour
As the England national rugby union team prepares for their upcoming tour of Japan and New Zealand, they have been struck by a major setback with the news that star prop Ellis Genge has been ruled out due to a calf injury.
Genge, who has been a crucial player in the Red Rose setup for some time, has firmly established himself as the first-choice loosehead for head coach Steve Borthwick. His absence will be a major loss for the team, not only on the field but also as they lose their vice-captain, adding further to Borthwick’s challenges.
“With Genge’s injury in mind, the England head coach will be considering potential replacements to fill the void during the mid-year window.”
The obvious choice appears to be experienced prop Joe Marler, who has over 90 caps for his country and has been in solid form throughout the Premiership season. However, Marler’s mental health and ability to be away from his family for extended periods may be a concern.
Another option is the in-form Sale Shark Bevan Rodd, who has five Test caps to his name and has been impressive for his club this season. Beno Obano, who has also been capped by England, is another player who could be considered, particularly given his excellent form for a resurgent Bath side.
Additionally, the uncapped Harlequins rising star Fin Baxter has emerged as a strong candidate to potentially earn his first Test cap on the tour, having been nominated for the RPA Young Player of the Year award after a standout season.
Other outside bets for Borthwick to consider include Northampton’s Tarek Haffar and Emmanuel Iyogun, both of whom have caught the eye with their performances in the Premiership. Newly-signed Saracen Phil Brantingham is also a player who could be in the mix, despite his relative inexperience at the international level.
As England prepare for their challenging tour, the loss of Ellis Genge is a significant blow, but Borthwick will be confident that he has various options to fill the void and ensure the team remains competitive against the likes of Japan and the mighty All Blacks.
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