A quintet of Northampton Saints will face Fiji in Round 2 of the Nations Championship, with Alex Coles, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, Henry Pollock and Fin Smith all involved in the matchday 23 on Saturday (11 July, kick-off: 2.10pm UK time).
Steve Borthwick has reshuffled his England backline for Fiji – shifting Freeman to the wing for his 29th cap, while Smith remains at fly-half to claim his 18th.
Coles is the other Saint named to start the clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool as he takes his place in the second row to make his 21st appearance for England.
Mitchell and Pollock keep their spots on England’s bench for this clash, as Borthwick shifts to a five-three bench for Fiji.
“We’ve had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training,” said Borthwick.
“We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us.
“It’s fantastic to be playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is an outstanding venue. There is a real passion for rugby across the north of England, and we're looking forward to experiencing a brilliant atmosphere in Liverpool.”
All Nations Championship matches will be broadcast live on ITV Sport.
ENGLAND TEAM TO FACE FIJI
Nations Championship, Round 2
Saturday 11 July 2026
Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Kick-off: 2.10pm UK time
15 Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 51 caps
14 Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 28 caps)
13 Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 75 caps)
12 Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 5 caps)
11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)
10 Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
9 Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 81 caps) – vice-captain
2 Jamie George (Saracens, 111 caps) – captain
3 Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
4 Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
5 George Martin (Saracens, 22 caps)
6 Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps) – vice-captain
7 Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 13 caps)
8 Ben Earl (Saracens, 52 caps)
Replacements:
16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 59 caps)
17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
18 George Kloska (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
19 Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 69 caps)
20 Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
21 Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 31 caps)
22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23 Noah Caluori (Saracens, uncapped)