Overview
- England's front-row concerns escalated as prop Fin Baxter will undergo foot surgery, adding to the absences of Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
- Steve Borthwick called up uncapped back-row Jack Kenningham to the training group, while Ben Curry remains with Sale to continue rehabilitation.
- Uncapped props Vilikesa (Billy) Sela and Emmanuel Iyogun are in England's 36-man squad, which also notably omits Owen Farrell.
- Jamie George warned that England must raise standards beyond their 11-match winning run, even as bookmakers rate them second favourites behind France.
- Wales captain Dewi Lake framed the tournament as a fresh start and a welcome distraction after the WRU assured all four regions will operate through 2026-27.