England Hit by Prop Crisis as Opoku-Fordjour Ruled Out

England have been dealt another front-row setback with tighthead prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour ruled out of the Six Nations after suffering a shoulder injury that requires surgery. The 19-year-old, already sidelined since November with an elbow issue, picked up the new injury during training with Sale Sharks and is expected to miss around eight weeks. Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson called it “a real shocker” for club and country.

His absence adds to England’s growing concerns at tighthead, following Will Stuart’s ruptured Achilles in December, which may end his season. With Opoku-Fordjour out, the pressure now falls on Joe Heyes, who has featured regularly for England, while Trevor Davison is likely next in line. Young props Afo Fasogbon and Billy Sela could also enter Steve Borthwick’s selection frame.

Despite improved depth compared to last year, England’s resources will be stretched when they open their Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 7. The trio of Opoku-Fordjour, Fasogbon and Sela, all part of England’s 2024 Under-20 world title squad, have long been earmarked for senior roles.

Sanderson praised Opoku-Fordjour’s resilience, saying the young prop has the mindset to overcome setbacks and return stronger.