Ojomoh Challenged to Bring Edge for England Against Japan

England head coach Steve Borthwick has challenged centre Max Ojomoh to produce a relentless, physical performance when England play Japan on Saturday.

Borthwick called Ojomoh one of the most talented players in English rugby. He also said England's centres need a rare mix of skill and toughness. BBC Sport reports that Borthwick listed the demands: hitting hard, running at the defence, and attacking with purpose, then tackling with real impact to win the ball back. Borthwick said he has full belief Ojomoh can deliver both sides of that.

Centres are the two midfield backs who link the forwards to the wings. In union they also do the heavy work in contact, which is why a strong tackle can be just as valuable as a clever pass.

Ojomoh has two England caps. His standout moment came at the end of 2025, when he was named man of the match in the win over Argentina. He has not played for England since that game, a gap of 12 months. He was first left out of Borthwick's wider training squad, then impressed for England A, the national development side, and earned his way back into the picture.

Now he gets his chance to partner George Ford in the midfield. Ojomoh will wear the number 12 shirt, the inside centre's jersey, while Ford returns to the number 10 shirt, the fly-half's position that controls much of a team's kicking and direction. It is Ford's first start at 10 since the Six Nations, the championship England played earlier in the year.

The selection also means Fin Smith is rested. Marcus Smith is named among the replacements as a utility option, meaning he can cover more than one position if the game shifts and England need a change.

England have not yet announced a result, so the test for Ojomoh is simple to describe. He needs to win collisions, carry the ball into contact and make the tackles that stop Japan's momentum. Saturday will show whether that edge returns.