BEN CURRY BACK FOR ENGLAND

Sharks flanker Ben Curry will return to the England starting XV for the first time in over a year on Sunday after head coach Steve Borthwick named the 28 year old in his team to face Australia for the Ella-Mobbs Cup at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (kick-off 3.10pm GMT). 

Curry missed most of last season through a hamstring injury but he has been picked at openside in a pack that also features captain Maro Itoje, who missed England’s summer campaign. Fin Baxter and George Furbank also return to the starting XV after injury-enforced absences. 

Uncapped Exeter Chiefs back-row forward Greg Fisilau is named among the replacements with England opting for a 6-2 split on the bench. He is joined by Will Stuart, who also returns to the England matchday squad after a lengthy period of rehabilitation. 

Sharks hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie will also start the game on the bench.

Elsewhere, Nicky Smith has been picked to start for Wales in their home clash with Japan, with fellow Sharks prop Tomas Francis named on the bench (KO 4.40pm, Saturday 7th November). Elia Canakaivata will start Fiji’s Saturday evening clash with France in Lyon as a replacement (KO 8.10pm).

The Round 4 fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship sees England begin a run of four consecutive matches at Allianz Stadium. 

“Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months. We know the challenge that awaits us and we’re looking forward to it,” said Borthwick.

“We’re excited to be playing in front of our home supporters and to start an important block of games. This will also be our last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year.” 

On Fisilau’s potential England debut, Borthwick added: “We’re all absolutely delighted for Greg. He’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point and has earned his opportunity through the way he’s performed for Exeter and in our training environment. He’s a powerful, athletic player who brings real energy to the team.” 

Following the Australia fixture, England will face Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Rounds 5 and 6, before Finals Weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November. 

All of England’s Nations Championship fixtures will be broadcast live and exclusively on ITV1.

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA

Sunday 8 November 2026
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham 
Kick-off: 3.10pm GMT 

15. George Furbank (Harlequins, 14 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 77 caps) 
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 7 caps) 
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 27 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 18 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 113 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 102 caps) – captain  
5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 22 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps) – vice-captain 
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 14 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 54 caps) 

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 83 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 53 caps)
19. George Martin (Saracens, 24 caps)
20. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 13 caps) 
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 19 caps) 
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 53 caps)