Luke Cowan-Dickie will make his 50th England appearance on Saturday after England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick named the Sharks hooker on the bench for the opening fixture of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series against Australia (kick-off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports).
Sharks fly-half George Ford has been named as one of three vice-captains and he’ll start in a back line that also features Sale winger Tom Roebuck. Cowan-Dickie is joined on the bench by Tom Curry.
Borthwick has named Maro Itoje as captain with Ellis Genge, Ford and Jamie George supporting as vice-captains.
It will also be the first England appearance at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for Guy Pepper and Henry Pollock.
“We’re excited to begin our Quilter Nations Series campaign against Australia and to test ourselves against a strong, in-form side,” said Borthwick.
“Australia have had four months together, so it’ll be a great challenge for us first up. We’ve worked hard with the time we’ve had, and the players can’t wait to play in front of a passionate home crowd.
“It’s another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a team.”
Cowan-Dickie’s 50-cap milestone comes ten years after he made his debut.
Speaking about the Sharks man, Borthwick added: “Luke is a fierce competitor who gives absolutely everything every time he pulls on an England shirt. Reaching 50 caps is a reflection of his consistency, resilience and commitment to the team over many years. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.”
England’s clash with the Wallabies is followed by home fixtures at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, against Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.
ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA
Saturday 1 November 2025, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 3.10pm
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 102 caps) – vice-captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 23 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 14 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 102 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 42 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 42 caps)
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 71 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 50 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
23. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
