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george forbank Named to England’s upcoming Guinness World Records squad six kingdoms Greg Fischlaw was also listed as one of three players who did not play.
Although Firbank has only made four senior appearances for Northampton this season due to a calf problem, he has featured in the 36-man squad, most recently starting against Sale on 20 December.
The 29-year-old was England’s first-choice full-back until suffering a broken arm in December 2024, having made 14 appearances for England, the last of which came in a win against Japan a month ago.
“George is back on the grass and will feature in some games against Northampton this weekend,” the head coach said. Steve Borthwick explain.
“He hasn’t been in the team for a while but he’s a super player and the 15-year-old also provided 10 covers.
“He’s got a good understanding of defenders, considering he’s coming from Northampton, so I’m delighted to have picked him.”
Fesilao was rewarded for his fine form at Exeter with a chance to compete with Ben Earle and Chandler Cunningham-South for the eighth spot, while uncapped Billy Serra and Emmanuel Iogun also feature.
“Exeter did a great job and Greg’s work rate was absolutely outstanding,” Borthwick said.
“The number of rushes he does, and his ability to win the edge and get closer and farther. He has the athleticism and skill. He also has great hands and connects well.
“He gives us more cover eight but he can play in other positions in the back row. A very talented, athletic rugby player.”
Serra helps fill the void created by the absence of Will Stewart and Asher Opoku-Fogyuur, who will miss the entire Six Nations with Achilles and shoulder injuries.
Joe Heyes is set to have a breakout year in 2025 and enter the tournament as the top option at the position, while veteran Trevor Davison is also recalled.
Iyogun needed as cover for foot injury victim Finn Baxterwho is one of a group of players who will be in Girona for a pre-Six Nations training camp to rehab in the hope of being available for the early rounds.
Borthwick said: “Regarding props, do we want all the props that we use in the fall to be fit and available? Yes. Is this a disruption that we’re asking for? No. But are we planning for it? Yes.
“We always know the depth chart, we always know which players are on it and we know who’s ready to play.
“I believe we’ll continue to get to know each other better over the next seven or eight weeks.”
Centers Ollie Lawrence (knee) and Finn Smith (calf) will also receive treatment next week.