Newcastle Flanker Guy Pepper Earns England Call-Up Ahead of Pivotal Six Nations Clash
Newcastle flanker Guy Pepper has been named as a replacement for the injured Chandler Cunningham-South in England’s squad for their pivotal Six Nations clash against France. The 20-year-old Falcons prodigy gained widespread recognition after equaling the Premiership record for most tackles in a single game, with an astounding 34 against Saracens earlier this season.
Steve Borthwick, the England coach, has added Pepper to a 36-man training squad following Cunningham-South’s calf injury, which he sustained during a remarkable performance in England’s thrilling 23-22 victory over Ireland. Although Pepper may not feature in the starting lineup in Lyon, his inclusion in the senior ranks is a clear demonstration of Borthwick’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
However, it was the exceptional display from experienced back-rower Ben Earl that rightfully earned him the man of the match award. With a desire to become the world’s best player this year, Earl’s determination and skill have not gone unnoticed. Borthwick praised Earl, stating, “He feels backed now. He feels he is growing as a player and he wants to keep getting better.”
Borthwick, when asked whether the win over Ireland would aid him in solidifying his squad’s belief in their rebuilding mission, stressed the importance of trust between himself and the players. After a challenging 2023, Borthwick aimed to strengthen relationships and trust within the group, providing evidence of their progress and reinforcing the significance of continuous improvement.
“He feels backed now. He feels he is growing as a player and he wants to keep getting better.” – Steve Borthwick, England coach
As reported by BBC Rugby Union, the upcoming ‘Le Crunch’ at the Groupama Stadium in France is a critical match for England, who are on a mission to demonstrate their prowess in the Six Nations competition. With a combination of youth and experience on their side, the English squad is optimistic and prepared to showcase their skills on the pitch.
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