People will argue experience is vital heading into any major tournament but perhaps the lack of exciting and 'x-factor' players is leaving England supporters less than enthused heading into the Rugby World Cup.

With France coming this Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations, TRU’s Joe Harvey has taken a look at England’s back-row and why Steve Borthwick should stick with the combination of Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis and Alex Dombrandt with just six games before the Rugby World Cup.

After announcing his first England squad ahead of the team’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Steve Borthwick once again appeared calm and collected.

Prior to England announcing their first matchday 23 to take on Scotland in the opening round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, TRU’s Joe Harvey has predicted who Steve Borthwick will name in his starting XV.

Ahead of a London derby with Saracens at The Stoop, Harlequins centre Luke Northmore spoke to TRU about the club’s opening weekend in the Gallagher Premiership, mentality and his own international ambitions.

Ahead of the England Students’ return this Friday afternoon against France at Kingston Park, former England flanker, Mark Wilson, spoke about coaching the team with Darren Fearn and his thoughts on the value of university rugby.

As England prepare to face Wales, there will be some noise surrounding Alex Dombrandt given his affiliation with Cardiff Met and whilst he is one of the university's biggest stars, TRU's Joe Harvey took a closer look into the fabric of the Archers.

Following Eddie Jones’ Six Nations squad announcement on Tuesday, in his latest column for TRU, Joe Harvey has taken a look at No. 8 and fly-half, with those position groups seemingly lacking.

Harlequins have confirmed that England international Alex Dombrandt has signed a new long-term deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.

After representing Cardiff Met and Harlequins at Twickenham, Alex Dombrandt is once again back at England HQ and his full international debut could be another catalyst in his unique journey.

Following their dramatic victory at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon, two of Harlequins’ key men in Stephan Lewies and Alex Dombrandt spoke about leadership and playing in the Premiership Final.

This season Harlequins will be competing in their first Premiership semi-final since 2014 and a quartet of players who have experienced the university game have helped the club edge towards a potential second title.

England's defining attribute has been their defence during the Autumn Nations Cup and their back-row trio have been superb throughout so can they be dislodged but those waiting in the wings?

Harlequins No 8 Alex Dombrandt was today acclaimed as one of the rising stars of the English game while being named Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for January 2020.

Despite a sensational start to life in the Gallagher Premiership, Alex Dombrandt is not part of England's plans for the Six Nations, but the future seems bright for the Harlequins man.