England have received a major boost ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Joe Marchant making a return to PREM Rugby.
The 29-year-old former Harlequins back has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with Sale Sharks, joining from Top 14 side Stade Francais.
Marchant made his England debut in 2019, and has tallied 26 caps for his country at the time of writing. He also featured for Steve Borthwick’s side during the 2023 World Cup, before joining the Parisians.
‘I’d love to get back in the mix for England’
He had also previously been linked with a move to Saracens last season, but feels the ‘direction’ the Sharks are headed was enough to commit his future to the North West outfit.
“When I spoke to Alex Sanderson (Sale director of rugby), he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has,” Marchant said upon signing his deal with the Sharks. “It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.
“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season.
“There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again. They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them.
“I’d love to get back in the mix for England, but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale.”
Sanderson added: “Joe is a world-class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup, and to do that, he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.
“He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas, and if we find him in those outside channels he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.
“He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player, and we can’t wait to get him here.”
But with Marchant now back in the frame for England selection, it gives Borthwick even more food for thought in his midfield.
The Autumn Nations Series campaign showed England are starting to build some serious depth in the centres, a position which had not so long ago been a previously troubled area. Fraser Dingwall and Max Ojomoh both impressed in their respective outings at inside centre, while Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade also gave a good account of themselves at 13 too.
With Marchant back in the mix, plus other options also making their way back from injuries, it leaves Borthwick with a positive headache ahead with one eye on the 2027 World Cup, but what does the depth chart look like?
Here is our take on just that.