Seven England internationals named in RPA's Under-23 XV as Pollock leads Northampton's four-man haul

Henry Pollock has been named in the Rugby Players’ Association Under-23 Team of the Season for 2025/26, headlining a seven-strong England contingent that underlines the depth of young talent emerging from the Gallagher Premiership.

The Northampton Saints flanker is joined by fellow England internationals Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson, Fin Smith, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Guy Pepper, all of whom impressed for club and country during the campaign. Northampton contribute four players in total — the most of any club — with Smith, centre Tom Litchfield and scrum-half Archie McParland completing their representation.

McParland is yet to earn a senior cap but took a significant step towards international honours after being included in England’s recent training camp. With club-mate Alex Mitchell injured, the scrum-half could make his Test debut this July.

Saracens wing Noah Caluori is another uncapped player tipped for a senior call-up this summer. The 19-year-old finished the regular Premiership season as its top try-scorer with 18 tries, though Northampton’s Tommy Freeman — two behind heading into the play-offs — could yet surpass that tally.

Exeter Chiefs No.8 Greg Fisilau completes a trio of uncapped players with recent England squad involvement. The back-row was part of England’s Six Nations squad earlier this year despite remaining without a senior cap.

Sale Sharks contribute three players to the XV, while Gloucester, Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs each provide two. Every member of the team has represented England at either senior or age-grade level.

RPA Men’s Under-23 Team of the Season 2025/26

1. Ben Redshaw (Gloucester Rugby) | 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs) | 13. Tom Litchfield (Northampton Saints) | 12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby) | 11. Noah Caluori (Saracens) | 10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints) | 9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints) | 1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins) | 2. Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks) | 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks) | 4. Tom Burrow (Sale Sharks) | 5. Elliot Williams (Harlequins) | 6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby) | 7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints) | 8. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)