Pepper called up after Cunningham-South injury

NEWCASTLE flanker Guy Pepper has been called up to the England squad to replace injured Chandler CunninghamSouth for the Six Nations finale against France in Lyon.

The 20-year-old Falcons prodigy has had a breakthrough season and earned wider attention when he made a Premiership record-equalling 34 tackles in a phenomenal defensive display against Saracens.

Pepper has been included by boss Steve Borthwick in a training squad of 36 after Harlequins flanker Cunningham-South suffered a calf injury in a superb cameo in Saturday’s 23-22 win over Ireland. While Pepper is unlikely to play in Lyon, his elevation to the senior ranks is another indication that Borthwick is committed to fast-tracking young talent.

But it was another supreme display from a more established back-rower, Ben Earl, that brought the man of the match award.

Earl has stated his desire to become the best player in the world this year and Borthwick said: ‘Ben Earl played his first 15 games off the bench. In last year’s Six Nations he played a run of games and then he was out. I think he feels backed now. He feels he is growing as a player and he wants to keep getting better.

‘I sat with him this morning. He talked and showed me what he wanted to do today and he pretty much did exactly what he said. It is phenomenal, the thought process he is going through and how ambitious he is as a player.’

Borthwick was asked whether the win over a renowned Ireland side would help him convince his squad that their rebuild mission is on track.

He replied: ‘The players’ trust in you is vital. There was a fair spell through 2023 where we were working on relationships to develop that trust.

‘I’ve been showing them the progress they are making, showing them the evidence, but sometimes it is hard to see it, especially when everything is played out under such scrutiny.

‘That’s why it’s important to get tangible results and my job is to reinforce that — and challenge us to be better next week.’