New England coach Borthwick boosted by return of Underhill and Ford

New England head coach Steve Borthwick receives Six Nations boost with Bath flanker Sam Underhill and Sale fly-half George Ford set to make first appearances this season

  • Steve Borthwick replaced Eddie Jones’ as England head coach on Monday
  • He faces a race against time to get his new team ready for the Six Nations 
  • Underhill and Ford set to return over the festive period after long lay-offs

Steve Borthwick has received two quick Christmas presents just a day after being appointed England head coach with the news Sam Underhill and George Ford are close to returns.

Borthwick was confirmed as Eddie Jones’ successor on Monday and now faces a race against time to get his new team ready for the Six Nations which begins on February 4.

So it is good news for him that Bath flanker Underhill and Sale fly-half Ford will be back in action over the festive period after long lay-offs.

Steve Borthwick has received a double boost a day after being appointed England head coach

Both players started for England in the 2019 World Cup final.

Neither has played so far this season but Underhill is set to be involved for Bath against Exeter on Christmas Eve after recovering from a serious shoulder problem. 

Ford, who was a central figure when Leicester won last season’s Premiership title under Borthwick, ruptured his Achilles in the final win over Saracens and hasn’t featured yet for new club Sale.

Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson expects Ford to be back within a ‘couple of weeks’ while two more England internationals in Raffi Quirke and Manu Tuilagi are also nearing a return.

Flanker Sam Underhill is set to be involved for Bath against Exeter on Christmas Eve

Sanderson described that trio as ‘world class’ and added: ‘They’ll energise us in the New Year.’

On Underhill, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said: ‘He’s very close. He’s worked so hard on his shoulder. Conditioning is never an issue with him. I haven’t seen him in a Bath jersey all season but he’ll be in action soon. We’ve got so much quality that hasn’t featured for us yet and that’s exciting.’

Bath forwards Alfie Barbeary (hamstring) and Will Stuart (elbow) remain side-lined.

Sale have confirmed they will continue to play at their AJ Bell home but their proposed bid to buy the stadium with Salford City has been rejected by the local council.

European rugby have confirmed an investigation has begun into why Ulster’s Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle last weekend was relocated from the Kingspan Stadium to Dublin.




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