England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith in his squad for the Six Nations, with Billy Vunipola, Jack Nowell and Jonny May missing out.
Farrell will once again captain the side, with the new England coach putting his faith in the veteran as Eddie Jones did before.
England begin their Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland on Saturday February 4, before returning to Twickenham the following weekend to take on Italy (Sunday February 12).
Borthwick’s side then visit Wales (Saturday February 25) and host France (Saturday March 11) before concluding the competition with a trip to Ireland (Saturday March 18).
Borthwick said: “This is an exciting squad, with a blend of Six Nations experience and young talent and includes players who are in excellent form in the Premiership.
Rugby Lists
England Six Nations squad – forwards
Forwards:
Backs:
Opening weekend sees Wales host Ireland, England facing Scotland and France vs Italy. The championships end on Super Saturday on March 18 as Scotland host Italy, Wales visit France and Ireland welcome England; France are looking to defend their title in a World Cup year.
The 2023 Guinness Six Nations takes place between February 4 and March 18 and will be of huge importance ahead of the Rugby World Cup in the autumn.
Last time out, France achieved their first championship since 2010 and completed the Grand Slam. Ireland was second – losing only to the champions – while England, Scotland and Wales faltered. Italy footed the table but managed a memorable win over Wales.
The opening match of this year’s championship will see Wales host Ireland on Saturday February 4 (2.15pm). On the same day, England face Scotland (4.45pm). The first weekend will be completed with Italy playing France on Sunday February 5 (3pm).
On week four, Wales will hope not to lose two years running against Italy on Saturday March 11 (2.15pm) as England play France for Le Crunch (4.45pm). Sunday March 12 sees Scotland welcome Ireland for a Celtic clash (3pm).
The Six Nations championships come to an end on Super Saturday on March 18. Scotland host Italy (12.30pm), Wales visit France (2.45pm) and Ireland welcome England (5pm).
Six Nations fixtures 2024
Saturday February 4, 2023
Wales vs Ireland (2.15pm)
England vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Sunday February 5, 2023
Italy vs France (3pm)
Saturday February 11, 2023
Ireland vs France (2.15pm)
Scotland vs Wales (4.45pm)
Sunday February 12, 2023
England vs Italy (3pm)
Saturday February 25, 2023
Italy vs Ireland (2.15pm)
Wales vs England (4.45pm)
Sunday February 26, 2023
France vs Scotland (3pm)
Saturday March 11, 2023
Italy vs Wales (2.15pm)
England vs France (4.45pm)
Sunday March 12, 2023
Scotland vs Ireland (3pm)
Saturday March 18, 2023
Scotland vs Italy (12.30pm)
France vs Wales (2.45pm)
Ireland vs England (5pm)