by The debate over Kyle Sinckler’s future – both domestically and internationally – continues to gather momentum. Sinckler was the high-profile omission from Steve Borthwick’s England squad for the Six Nations, with the head coach suggesting it was a decision based on form rather than fitness. Veteran Dan Cole, upstart Joe Heyes and third-choice World Cup sensation Will Stuart make up the trio; three – not four – is the magic number in a 36-player squad.
Announcing his press conference, Borthwick seemed optimistic that Sinckler’s time as a Test batsman was not over. “Do I think Kyle Sinckler will be back in the squad at some point in the future?,” the head coach asked rhetorically. “I’m pretty sure it will. I felt a determination from him to go after the aspects we discussed.”
Last week, however, French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique published a breakdown of the Top 14 transfers ahead of last season. Under Toulon’s share of arrivals that were “official or deemed to have been made”, Sinckler’s name was listed. Clearly, across the Channel, the tight ends’ move to the glamorous French club is seen as a foregone conclusion.
At 30, Sinckler should have enough comfortable life in the legs to offer England a valuable option for the next World Cup and beyond. But if he departs for Toulon at the end of this season as expected from Midi Olympique, it would be a shame that the last of his 68 caps for England saw a scrum destroyed by the eventual South African champions. in the semi-final of the World Cup.
This is a player who touched greatness. Let’s not forget that in 2019 many believed it was his early injury in the World Cup final that cost England dearly in the loss to the Springboks. However, the prop has rarely transferred to Bristol in 2020, the form that earned him a call-up to two Lions tours and was heralded as one of the best in the world by former England coach Eddie Jones. By the time of that semi-final win over South Africa last year, the tables had turned; where in 2019 it was Sinckler’s departure that literally put Dan Cole’s neck on the line against the Springboks, in 2023 it was his arrival – along with other factors – that saw his demise.
That said, Sinckler has been in impressive form this season for Bristol and it would still be a shame to leave him out. Borthwick has noted Cole’s influence on England’s scrum improvement and the Leicester prop’s longevity is something to behold as he returns for another season of international rugby, 14 years after his debut at the coal face. Under Cole and without Sinckler, however, both Stuart and Heyes have yet to prove themselves at Test level. Of course, the only way to do that is by playing but does anyone want to know how much uncertainty surrounding Sinckler’s future was in the 50/50 selection decisions? Borthwick has always been a big believer in super strengths and, while Sinckler’s scrummaging may have suffered, his handling remains as precise and sharp as any front rower on the planet. Set-work is also another aspect of front-row play that can be improved with training, especially as Sinckler has proven it’s there.
In terms of depth, the options behind Sinckler are scarce. Asher Opoku-Fordjour is a great talent but England management view him as a loose forward, according to Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson. Ehren Painter has been a scrummaging titan for Exeter this season but there are question marks over his ability in the loose, while highly-rated England under-20s tighthead Afolabi Fasogbon is yet to play in the Premier League. Will Collier at Harlequins got a call-up during the last Six Nations but did not feature and looks destined for Castres at the end of the season.
Regardless, Borthwick’s planning is careful. He explains that he has a contingency plan for each position and even contingencies for the contingencies, with a long-term perspective.
“We really have to be aware and plan for the ‘what if’ scenarios,” said the 44-year-old. “Who’s next? And how do we use them? How can we get them through as quickly as possible? Every club goes through that process.
“As a club coach, I was watching Trials and trying to figure out which of the players would be going, in six months’ time, to play in the Six Nations. I had projects going on with players that I wanted ready for that time frame. That’s what we’re leaning towards as well.”
Wherever Sinckler’s future lies, there are two truths: a possible departure leaves a hole in England’s solid depth; but would leave the tighthead and his talent unfulfilled.
