STEVE BORTHWICK has revealed the reason he has given his old dogs of war another Six Nations outing – even if they will not make the next World Cup.
The England head coach has given props Dan Cole, 36, and Joe Marler, 33, plus 37-year-old scrum-half Danny Care a spot in the party as they prepare for the opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday week.
And at 33 himself, new skipper Jamie George is no certainty to be at Australia 2027.
Borthwick was a rookie lock at Bath, making his debut in 1998, when the England squad was ripped apart by retirements and players leaving.
Stars who left around that time and in the early 2000s included Jerry Guscott and Mike Catt, leaving the rookies to fend for themselves.
Denne historien er fra January 24, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
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Denne historien er fra January 24, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
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RUBEN'S SO REVVED UP
United triumphs and tragedy inspire Amorim
RED ROSES CAN FINALLY BLOOM
JAMIE GEORGE has told his England side to get ready for sporting war in today's grudge clash with South Africa.
ROZNER'S ROARING
FRANCE'S Antoine Rozner claimed the halfway lead in the DP World Tour Championship after Rory Mcllroy failed to build on a flying start in Dubai.
LAND A HAYE MAKER
Billam-Smith's out to unify division just like David did
DOOM MONGERS TO DIE YOUNGER
Cynical approach unhealthy
TV Jamie gets egg on his face
'PATRONISING' BOIL GUIDE BLASTED
SPIDERS ARE TOP TERROR
Brits creeped-out by eight-legged critters
Load of rubbish
FURY AT PLAN TO COLLECT BINS EVERY FOUR WEEKS
DAVINA’S BRAIN OP ON TUMOUR
'Star is recovering' after ordeal
All fun of the fur
MUTTS & MOGS ARE KEEPING US ALL HAPPY
