Exeter's Greg Fisilau earns England call-up for Nations Championship
Exeter number eight Greg Fisilau has been named in England's squad for the Nations Championship, the run of international matches played in November. The 23-year-old has not yet been capped, which means he has never played for the senior England team.
A number eight is the forward who packs down at the back of the scrum and usually takes the ball from it. It is a role that asks for hard running and a willingness to be in the thick of every tackle and ruck, the contest for the ball on the ground after a tackle.
England named a 36-player squad, chosen by head coach Steve Borthwick. Fisilau is one of three Exeter players included, alongside Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Exeter are the club that have given all three their regular rugby, so the group is a clear sign of the strength of the squad at Sandy Park.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said Fisilau would adapt well to international rugby. He pointed to the player's ability to be involved in the game in big numbers, getting in and around the ball wherever it is. Baxter also said that whatever level Fisilau was picked at, he would produce a very similar level of performance. Fisilau has already had a taste of England's wider pathway. He played twice for England A, the second-string side, last November.
For Exeter, Fisilau's form has been one of the bright spots in a difficult season. He scored seven Premiership tries last year as the club reached the final of England's top domestic competition. This season has been harder. Exeter have won one of their first five Premiership matches and sit second from bottom of the table.
The BBC reported Baxter's comments as Exeter's league struggles continue. Fisilau's selection is a reminder that a player can be pushing for international honours even while his club is searching for results.
Whether he gets on the pitch in November will depend on the selection calls made as each match approaches. For now, the 23-year-old has a place in England's squad and a coach in his corner who believes he is ready for the step up.
