3. Will Evans – Harlequins
The Harlequins back-rower has been gaining increased traction for an England call-up, during the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership campaign.
Finishing off the regular season as the leading turnover maker with 30, Evans was leapfrogged to top spot after the play-offs, with Saracens’ Ben Earl accruing his 31st in the Premiership Final triumph.
Evans’ tenacious work effort off the ball can sometimes go unnoticed, and as Harlequins underperformed this season the flanker is at risk of slipping under the radar for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Evans is one of the hardest workers in the Premiership, and is a definite ‘unsung hero’ at the Twickenham Stoop.
The aforementioned injuries to England’s back-row, sees options open up for additional call-ups for Steve Borthwick’s squad.
Evans seems primed and ready to line up with his West London rival Tom Pearson, in becoming the latest Premiership stars to receive their England caps. Squad rotation is key for Borthwick, as he will want to find out the best formula for his World Cup campaign.
It is a long short for Evans to nail his name to a starting jersey, but impressive performances if given the opportunity this Summer, could well land the Harlequin amongst the extended squad list for the Rugby World Cup. As hard-hitting as they come, Evans is an ideal reinforcement to a World Cup withered side.