Will Joseph Poised for England Recall as Feyi-Waboso Is Out
England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield has praised Gloucester's Will Joseph, who is set for a Test recall against Japan after Manny Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson and George Furbank were ruled out. Joseph's only cap came in 2022 under Eddie Jones, now Japan's coach.
Gloucester's Will Joseph is poised to audition for a leading role for England against Japan, after injuries to Manny Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson and George Furbank forced a rethink of the backline. Joseph travelled as a reserve for the Australia game and appears set for a Test recall.
The 24-year-old won his only cap four years ago, in the closing minutes of a victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane in 2022. He was a 20-year-old apprentice then. Eddie Jones, now coach of Japan's Brave Blossoms, was England's head coach.
Head coach Steve Borthwick must now reshape the combination that worked against Australia. Several places in the matchday 23 need filling.
Sinfield's verdict
Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield backed Joseph, who can play at centre and on the wing. "What a player he is," Sinfield said.
"He beats people, he's got great balance and he's a good defender with unbelievable power and speed off the mark," Sinfield added. He said some of Joseph's work in training had produced "Wow" moments.
Joseph has been in outstanding club form. His try for Gloucester at Exeter earlier this season was, in the report's words, a reminder of his talent. Teammate Alex Coles said Joseph rounded a defender on the wing in five metres of space. Henry Pollock, defending against him in training, celebrated the try because it was that good, Coles said.
Competition and the World Cup
Other back-three options are in the squad: Cadan Murley, Joe Marchant, Noah Caluori and Tobias Elliott. Joseph's ability to cover more than one position could help his case for a final World Cup squad next year.
Feyi-Waboso left the Australia game at half-time with an ankle injury. Sinfield called his performance before that "world class" and said: "He's our Jason Robinson." He added that England cannot ask a replacement to play like Feyi-Waboso, only to bring their best and take the chances they are given.
England are also planning ahead to the 2027 World Cup. Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry, whose hip problems have resurfaced, play for Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks respectively. The Rugby Football Union may use its agreement with the Prem clubs to limit how much rugby the pair play this season.
"The agreement that's in place will hopefully ensure brilliant collaboration between club and country," Sinfield said.
