England could fast-track the Saracens teenager Noah Caluori into the Test spotlight as soon as next month following the wing’s dramatic start to his top-level club career. The 19-year-old celebrated his first Prem start with five tries against Sale Sharks on Saturday and the national coach, Steve Borthwick, says he is already in contention for a senior England debut.
It was impossible to miss Caluori’s aerial ability and eye for the try line at the weekend with the former Lions captain Sam Warburton describing the 6ft 5in tall youngster as “almost undefendable” and “an absolute diamond”. England have been aware of his potential for a while and it seems that some game time against Fiji a fortnight on Saturday is not impossible.
Borthwick certainly did not pour cold water on the idea after calling up Caluori to a three-day training camp in Bagshot. “I think he could certainly feature this autumn,” said the head coach. “He has been on the radar for a considerable period of time. It was over a year ago that I started getting sent footage from [the RFU’s] Conor O’Shea, Mark Mapletoft and Jonathan Pendlebury. They were talking about him among a group of other players on the pathway.”
It says everything about Caluori’s ability to soar above the common herd that comparisons are being made with Israel Folau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, both remarkable athletes who gave Australia another aerial dimension. Borthwick has also been encouraged by the newcomer’s modest response to his sudden rugby fame. “A number of people have mentioned to me the interview he did after the game and how his humility and desire to learn came across,” said Borthwick. “You don’t hear that from too many 19-year-olds.”
Among other things it might also be a sign that England are more open to embracing X-factor players rather than taking a more conservative approach to blooding talented newcomers. “How brilliant is it that we’ve got exciting players like that around,” said Borthwick.
“You’ve got young kids talking about them and wanting to be them. I think that’s absolutely wonderful. Henry Pollock is another example. There’s incredible talent in the team. Noah’s been showing that ability throughout his pathway experience. Like every player there are always bits to improve which I think is the really exciting part.”
Conspicuous by his absence at Pennyhill Park, however, is Caluori’s clubmate Tom Willis who has opted to turn his back on representing England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in favour of rejoining Bordeaux in the French Top 14. In theory he remains available to England for the rest of this season but Borthwick has made clear he will now look elsewhere.
“Tom told me his decision late last week,” said Borthwick. “My job is to then focus on who is going to be playing for England to win the World Cup in two years’ time. I think the situation is really clear and I’d be surprised if anyone thinks too differently to the way I am thinking. The time we have together is crucial.”
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The complication is that Willis still has an enhanced elite player squad contract which cannot be torn up while he remains eligible to represent the national team. It means the RFU must continue shelling out a six-figure sum for a player who will no longer be involved. Borthwick, however, has left the door ajar for Owen Farrell, not currently in England’s squad despite touring with the British & Irish Lions in the summer.
“Owen and I have spoken regularly throughout his time back in England and when he was in France,” said Borthwick. “I enjoy chatting to him and he’s got a great rugby brain. I think he’s been very clear that he wants to get back into the rhythm of playing for his club and enjoy his rugby again after an injury disrupted year. We’re only a handful of games in to this season so I don’t think it’s a conversation for right now.”
