Dan Cole makes England retirement call ahead of Six Nations
Yesterday at 02:58 PM
England prop Dan Cole is showing no signs of calling it quits on his international career just yet. According to RUCK sources, the 37-year-old plans to keep going until at least after the 2025 Six Nations.
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With an impressive 118 caps under his belt, Cole stands as the squad’s elder statesman, three years senior to the next oldest, hooker Jamie George. The pair have been fixtures in England’s pack for more than a decade, embodying experience and resilience.
But Cole isn't just here to make up the numbers. The Leicester Tigers veteran is embracing a mentorship role, particularly for rising star Asher Opoku-Fordjour, who made his debut against Japan last weekend.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: England's versatile newcomer
Opoku-Fordjour brings an intriguing dimension to England’s front row. The 20-year-old has already showcased his versatility, excelling as a loosehead prop during England U20s' Six Nations and World Championship triumphs this year. Now, at senior level, his club and country see him as a tighthead.
The youngster's adaptability could prove invaluable. Gloucester's Afolabi Fasogbon and Bath's Billy Sela were England U20s' tighthead options, but Opoku-Fordjour's ability to switch seamlessly across the front row gives Steve Borthwick's squad a unique edge.
Borthwick backs Cole
Despite Opoku-Fordjour's arrival, Dan Cole's England career is far from over. Head coach Steve Borthwick was emphatic about the veteran's value to the team, both on and off the field.
"I value Coley's opinion on rugby generally, the programme, the scrum, so we speak regularly,” Borthwick explained.
"I want to make sure that Dan Cole can continue being an England player for a long time. I sense no hesitation in him. I think he enjoys being part of the programme."
For now, it seems the old warrior is determined to keep leading the charge while helping shape the next generation of England's front-row enforcers.
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