Pollock named in England starting lineup alongside Ojomoh and Joseph

Henry Pollock will line up at number eight for England in Saturday's Nations Championship match against Japan, with Max Ojomoh selected at inside centre and Will Joseph on the wing, England Rugby said.

The 21‑year‑old back‑rower, who has mostly come off the bench, has already scored eight tries in 14 Tests, including a two‑try cameo on the wing against Australia last Sunday. This will be only his second start for the national side, giving him a chance to push for a regular Test berth.

Ojomoh, 26, returns to the starting XV after not featuring for England since his standout performance in the win over Argentina a year ago. Although his Bath contract expires at season’s end and French media have linked him with a Top 14 move, a strong display for England A against an Argentina XV secured his promotion ahead of Fraser Dingwall, with first‑choice centre Seb Atkinson ruled out with a hip injury.

Will Joseph, whose sole England cap came under former Japan coach Eddie Jones in 2022, is drafted in to replace the injured wing Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso. George Ford is named at fly‑half, while Marcus Smith, who has impressed for Harlequins, is on the bench, and Fin Smith is omitted after recovering from a calf injury.

The starting front row will be an all‑new combination of Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan‑Dickie and Asher Opoku‑Fordjour. Northampton scrum‑half Archie McParland is set to make his debut off the bench, with Greg Fisilau, Arthur Clark and Emmanuel Iyogun among a largely uncapped replacement group.