Borthwick’s Bold Blueprint: Uncapped Trio Fisilau, Sela, and Iyogun Named in England’s Six Nations Squad

In a move that signals both evolution and intent, England head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled his 36-man squad for the upcoming 2024 Guinness Six Nations, and the headline act is a trio of fresh faces poised for their international baptism. Exeter Chiefs’ powerhouse Greg Fisilau, Northampton Saints’ dynamic lock Vilikesa Sela, and the Saints’ formidable loosehead prop Emmanuel Iyogun have all received their maiden call-ups, injecting a potent dose of raw talent and untested potential into the English setup. This selection is more than just a nod to form; it is a deliberate statement of Borthwick’s long-term vision for the national side as he seeks to build on the foundations laid during last year’s World Cup campaign.

Meet the New Guard: Profiling England’s Uncapped Prospects

Steve Borthwick has not dipped into the uncapped pool lightly. Each selection tells a story of specific need and identified potential, addressing key areas of the squad with players who have been tearing up the Gallagher Premiership.

Greg Fisilau, the 20-year-old Exeter Chiefs number eight, is perhaps the most anticipated inclusion. A graduate of the same prolific Exeter academy that produced the likes of Sam Simmonds and Jack Nowell, Fisilau is a wrecking ball of athleticism. His carrying is both powerful and deceptively agile, and his work rate in defence is relentless. With Billy Vunipola unavailable and the need to future-proof the back row, Fisilau represents the next generation of English ball-carrying marauders.

Vilikesa Sela, the Fijian-born lock now qualified for England, brings a unique and compelling skillset. At Northampton Saints, he has formed a formidable partnership with Alex Coles, showcasing not just the traditional lineout prowess and grunt expected of a second row, but also a startling level of handling skill, offloading ability, and mobility. In a Borthwick system that values set-piece excellence but is seeking more offensive fluidity, Sela’s point-of-difference could be invaluable.

Emmanuel Iyogun completes the trio, offering crucial depth at loosehead prop. The Saints prop has been a cornerstone of one of the league’s most impressive scrums, demonstrating a robust technique and a warrior’s mentality. With Ellis Genge and Bevan Rodd established but questions over long-term depth, Iyogun’s call-up is a classic Borthwick move: rewarding consistent, high-level domestic performance and building competition in the engine room.

Strategic Analysis: What Borthwick’s Selections Reveal

Beyond the excitement of new faces, this squad announcement is a masterclass in strategic squad building. Borthwick is walking a tightrope between continuity from a World Cup semi-final finish and the imperative to refresh and evolve.

• Post-World Cup Transition: The retirements of Courtney Lawes and Jonny May, and the absence of others like Vunipola, have created tangible gaps. Borthwick is using this Six Nations cycle not merely to compete for a title, but to actively audition successors and build depth for the 2027 cycle.
• Balancing Power and Fluency: The inclusion of Sela, in particular, hints at a desire to add more subtlety and passing range to the forward pack. While Borthwick’s core principles will remain rooted in set-piece dominance and defensive rigour, players like Sela and Fisilau offer pathways to a more multi-dimensional attack.
• Rewarding Premiership Form: This squad is a strong endorsement for the Gallagher Premiership as a developer of talent. All three uncapped players have been standouts for their clubs, and their selection sends a clear message to every player in the league: performance will be noticed and rewarded.

The leadership group remains robust, with Jamie George named captain, supported by the experienced core of Maro Itoje, George Ford, and Henry Slade. This provides the perfect environment to blood new talent—a stable, demanding framework within which the newcomers can learn and express themselves.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Forthcoming Campaign

The Six Nations presents an immediate and brutal test for any debutant. The intensity, pressure, and unique tactical battles of the championship are unlike any club experience. For Fisilau, Sela, and Iyogun, the challenge will be twofold: adapting to the heightened demands of international rugby and competing for minutes within a squad packed with established stars.

Their opportunities may initially come from the bench, where their specific attributes can be used as impactful weapons. Iyogun could be tasked with shoring up the scrum in the final quarter. Fisilau’s explosive carrying could be unleashed against tiring defences. Sela’s skill set might be utilized to change the point of attack and increase tempo. How quickly they adapt to Borthwick’s intricate systems, particularly lineout calls and defensive patterns, will determine their involvement.

The opening fixture against Italy in Rome could be a prime opportunity for integration. While Borthwick will be wary of underestimating the Azzurri, it is a match where the coaching team might feel more confident in testing their new combinations, potentially offering one or more of the uncapped trio a first taste of the white shirt.

Predictions: Impact and the Road to 2027

While instant stardom is never guaranteed, the selections of Fisilau, Sela, and Iyogun are profoundly significant for England’s trajectory. This Six Nations should be viewed as the first chapter in their international story, not the whole book.

We predict that Greg Fisilau has the highest chance of earning significant minutes first. His position is one where impact is immediately measurable, and his style is perfectly suited to the abrasive nature of the championship. Vilikesa Sela may be used more tactically, but his unique profile makes him a fascinating wildcard. Emmanuel Iyogun will be immersed in the prop fraternity, learning from Genge and Joe Marler, with his time likely coming in subsequent campaigns.

Ultimately, Borthwick’s eye is fixed on the horizon. These call-ups are an investment in the future—a declaration that the road to the 2027 World Cup in Australia begins now. By introducing this new blood in the cauldron of the Six Nations, he is accelerating their development and fostering a healthy, competitive environment that pushes every player, new and old.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Dawns for English Rugby

Steve Borthwick’s naming of Greg Fisilau, Vilikesa Sela, and Emmanuel Iyogun in his England Six Nations squad is a decisive and optimistic step forward. It breaks from the conservatism that has sometimes characterised English selection, demonstrating a clear-eyed commitment to building a team capable of growing over the next four years. This is not a revolution, but a calculated evolution.

The 2024 Six Nations will now be watched with an added layer of intrigue. Can the new faces translate their club form to the international stage? How will Borthwick blend their talents with his established core? The answers will shape not just this championship, but the very identity of the England team for years to come. One thing is certain: with this bold selection, Borthwick has reaffirmed that in his England, merit and potential are the only currencies that matter, and a new generation is ready to stake its claim.

Source: Based on news from Sky Sports.

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