Shock England call in store for former Wales Under 20 captain Tommy Reffell and Leicester rookie George Martin as coach Eddie Jones weighs up his back-row options for busy schedule
England’s abundance of Test back-row contenders hasn’t stopped them identifying a recent Wales Under 20 captain for a shock call-up as one of two rookie Tigers on their radar.
Uncapped Leicester forwards Tommy Reffell and George Martin are understood to have emerged as contenders for inclusion in the national squad, despite the claims of so many other rising stars in the Premiership.
While there has been a clamour for Wasps flanker Jack Willis to be picked by England on the strength of his breakdown feats, he may yet find himself overtaken by two rivals from elsewhere in the East Midlands.
Tommy Reffell has been compared to iconic ex-Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton
Reffell was born in Bridgend and came through in the Ospreys age-group set-up before moving to Leicester at 15. He went on to captain Wales at Under 18 level and then in the Under 20s at the junior World Cup in 2018. His classical openside qualities have earned comparison with the iconic ex-Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton.
England are now spoilt for choice when it comes to contenders for the No 7 shirt, with World Cup sensations Tom Curry and Sam Underhill at the top of an increasing pile of talent, which includes Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl, Ben Curry and Willis.
But Reffell has caught the eye and is regarded as a tough customer with senior international credentials.
The Tigers are enthused by the emergence of Nottingham-born George Martin
When asked last year about his move to Welford Road and his aspirations, the 21-year-old, a converted centre, said: ‘I was coming through at the Ospreys but Leicester wanted some boys for their academy and, after looking round the training ground and Welford Road, I took my chance. I’ve developed pretty well and I’m enjoying it. My ultimate dream is to be fully capped by Wales but I’ll take every step as it comes and learn my trade.’
Eddie Jones may test that ultimate dream by finding out if Reffell would be interested in switching allegiance. Wales have no shortage of options either, so the young prospect faces an intriguing dilemma.
Leicester think he is the real deal, with their assistant coach Brett Deacon saying earlier this season: ‘He is a winner. He is tough mentally and resilient. His breakdown skills are brilliant and he is a typical No 7 — athletic with a very high work-rate.’
Coach Eddie Jones has spoken about the on-going search for multi-purpose ‘hybrid’ players
The Tigers hierarchy are similarly enthused by the emergence of Nottingham-born Martin, who joined the club in 2016. He has come through the junior ranks as a lock but impressed at blindside flanker in the defeat against Bath at Welford Road last Saturday. His versatility would be valued as Jones has spoken about the on-going search for multi-purpose ‘hybrid’ players.
England are set for a busy autumn programme, with a Barbarians fixture followed by a rescheduled Six Nations finale against Italy in Rome — and an eight-team Test event which may not include Japan, as hoped.
According to reports in Far East, the Japanese union have decided that the Brave Blossoms cannot take part due to Covid restrictions and the fact that national coach Jamie Joseph has been unable to return from New Zealand to oversee preparations.
There was immediate speculation that Georgia may take Japan’s place in a pool with France, Italy and Scotland.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney told the BBC: ‘I know Japan have had some concerns about travel and restrictions. We’d still love it if they’re able to come and they’re really keen to come, but we’ve got fall-back options should that not be the case.’ The RFU remain hopeful, however, that crowds of 30,000 will be permitted to watch England’s proposed matches against Ireland and Fiji at Twickenham in November.