5. TOM ROEBUCK – SALE SHARKS
The fifth name on our shortlist of impressive England hopefuls, Tom Roebuck could finally get the long awaited test match debut this Summer under Borthwick’s guidance. The Sale Sharks wing was unfortunate to miss out on a debut during the 2024 Six Nations, despite being named amongst the wider training squad following a stunning 2022/23 campaign.
The 23-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in the Premiership, and could well be on his way to the Far East for England’s test against Japan. With 12 tries to his name this season, Roebuck has built on his form that took Sale to the Premiership Final last season, with his latest score being a crucial one against last year’s Premiership victors Saracens.
In an act of bittersweet vengeance from the previous season’s finale, Roebuck cut through the Sarries defence with a swift turn of pace, and darted off the right wing to leave Ben Earl in his dust. Sale could well meet Saracens in this season’s Premiership Final, and Roebuck would be eager to repeat this impressive try-scoring feat and make it an unlucky 13th try for the North Londoners.
Despite Borthwick not awarding Roebuck his Six Nations debut in the most recent campaign, the door remains open for the wing to make his maiden test appearence against either Japan or the All Blacks this coming June and July. The future looks bright for the equally adapted left or right winger, who offers an exciting brand of attacking versatility, should the likes of Elliot Daly and Tommy Freeman being to fatigue this Summer.