Greg Fisilau earns first England Six Nations call-up

Greg Fisilau has been named in England’s squad for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, with the Exeter Chiefs back-row forward one of three uncapped players selected by head coach Steve Borthwick.

Full-back George Furbank also returns to the national set-up despite a disrupted season with Northampton Saints due to a calf issue.

Furbank, 29, has made just four senior appearances this season, his most recent start coming against Sale in December. He had been England’s first-choice full-back before suffering a broken arm late last year, with his last cap coming against Japan.

Borthwick confirmed the Northampton player has returned to training and is expected to get game time at club level.

Fisilau’s inclusion follows a strong run of form for Exeter, where his ball-carrying and work rate have stood out. He will provide additional cover at number eight alongside Ben Earl and Chandler Cunningham-South.

Uncapped props Billy Sela and Emmanuel Iyogun are also included as England manage injuries in the front row.

Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are both ruled out of the tournament, while Fin Baxter, Fin Smith and Ollie Lawrence are among those undergoing rehabilitation during the pre-tournament camp in Girona.

"Exeter have been outstanding and Greg’s work-rate is absolutely exceptional," Borthwick said.

"The number of carries he makes and his ability to win the gainline and carry tight and wide. He has that athleticism and skill-set. He also has great hands, linking very well.

"He gives us more number 8 cover, but he can play in other positions across that back row. A very talented, athletic rugby player."

England begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales in February.

England Six Nations Squad:

Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje (c), Emmanuel Iyogun, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Bevan Rodd, Vilikesa Sela, Sam Underhill

Backs: Henry Arundell, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet