England Squad Shake-up Sees Max Ojomoh Called Up as Ollie Lawrence Suffers Bitter Selection Blow

 Steve Borthwick has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of England’s high-stakes summer clash against a formidable France XV in Vannes.

The England head coach has officially handed Bath playmaker Max Ojomoh a golden opportunity to stake his claim in the international midfield.

However, the headline news surrounding the squad announcement centers on the players left behind.

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the Premiership, central-contracted powerhouse Ollie Lawrence has been completely overlooked for the upcoming fixture.

Ollie Lawrence Overlooked by Borthwick as Janse van Rensburg Closes In on Eligibility

The exclusion of Lawrence marks a dramatic turn of events for the 26-year-old center.

Having engineered a miraculous six-month recovery from a torn Achilles tendon earlier this season, the Bath star was expected to anchor the midfield.

He even started in the Autumn Nations victory over New Zealand but has since struggled to recapture his explosive, line-breaking form.

With his only Six Nations appearance coming in a bruising 42-21 defeat to Ireland, Borthwick has opted to look at fresh alternative options.

"Gloucester's Seb Atkinson is the other specialist centre along with Ojomoh and uncapped South-Africa-born Janse van Rensburg of Bristol Bears."

The midfield dynamic becomes even more fascinating with the inclusion of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

Because this showdown against the French is an uncapped match rather than a full Test, the powerhouse is clear to play.

The Bristol Bears standout will officially complete his five-year residency requirement shortly after England's Nations Championship opener against South Africa on July 4.

This makes him perfectly timed for full Test debuts against rugby heavyweights Fiji and Argentina on the subsequent summer weekends.

Teen Sensation Noah Caluori Eyed for Start Alongside Heavyweight Tigers Duo

Borthwick’s training squad is a deliberate mix of raw, youthful exuberance and imposing physical power.

With Northampton and Exeter stars completely rested while preparing for the Premiership final, other rising stars have a massive chance to shine.

All eyes are on Saracens teenager Noah Caluori, who finishes the domestic season as the Premiership's top try-scorer.

The electric teenager is firmly in line for a starting wing berth, competing against established finishers Adam Radwan, Cadan Murley, and Tom Roebuck.

In the forwards, the spotlight shifts to a potentially devastating Leicester Tigers second-row combination.

George Martin and Ollie Chessum are both fully fit and available, presenting Borthwick with an incredibly physical engine room.

With senior management seriously contemplating resting regular captain Maro Itoje for the grueling summer tour, a dominant performance from the Leicester duo in Vannes could solidify their partnership for the foreseeable future.

They will be joined by Bath’s versatile Ted Hill, who returns to the senior fold looking to add to the five caps he earned up to July 2025.

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