Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward advises current coach Steve Borthwick to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past as the team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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England will play four matches at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) during the 2024 Autumn Internationals series.
The first match of England’s autumn series will be against the All Blacks on Saturday 2nd November.
The Wallabies and Springboks will then visit Twickenham over the following two weekends. The final match of England’s autumn series will be against Japan on Sunday 24th November.
Woodward, who secured the 2003 World Cup victory, suggests that George Ford be replaced by either of the Smith’s, regardless of the opponent moving forward.
Woodward began: “There is no doubt Ford is a wonderful player.
“He always has been and at only 30, still has a huge amount to offer in the coming years. But the two Smiths — Marcus and Fin — can spark the sort of unpredictable, fast, and aggressive attacking game that England badly need.
“Ford is undoubtedly the safe option. But England need to let the handbrake off. If it was a risk playing Fin Smith, I could understand the decision.
“But it clearly isn’t because of his stunning form in the Premiership and Champions Cup this season.
“It’s more than obvious to me that he has something special about him. For a young player he can control a game very well. We saw that in Northampton’s European win at Munster.”
England stars with other careers away from rugby, featuring a future doctor
Despite the fairly lucrative earnings and extraordinary experiences, one injury could abruptly end it all.
That’s why savvy players are already planning for life after rugby.
Here’s a look at the intriguing careers England’s top rugby stars are pursuing off the field…
IMMANUEL FEYI-WABOSO – MEDICAL DOCTOR
Feyi-Waboso left Cardiff for Wasps after his university application was unsuccessful in the Welsh capital, opting to study at Aston University in Birmingham instead.
When Wasps fell into administration in October 2022, Exeter jumped in to offer Feyi-Waboso a double lifeline — for both his rugby and his studies.
Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter helped secure Feyi-Waboso a place to read medicine at Exeter University, allowing him to continue his dream of becoming the third-generation doctor in his family.
“My dad’s an ophthalmologist, and his dad was a gynaecologist in Nigeria,” explained Feyi-Waboso, who represented Wales at the Under-18 level.
Feyi-Waboso started his degree from scratch at Exeter and was sitting exams in and around the Six Nations.
JACK NOWELL – CLOTHES & PUB
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbour front, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
JAMIE GEORGE – PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Carter & George practice clinic, which offers first-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, is the joint venture of George and experienced physiotherapist and best friend Rhys Carter.
Head over to our Facebook/Instagram to find out how you can #WIN this weeks #FridayFitnessChallenge
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