Almost a third of England’s squad in Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Ireland were born in London. 7 out of the 23 fielded players (30%) came from the capital, with Camden-born lock Maro Itoje leading the side at the Aviva Stadium.

This is the highest number of players born in London to have featured in England’s first Six Nations fixture in the tournament’s existence. Despite a slight dip in 2022 and 2023, the last six years have seen London talent play an increasingly significant role in England’s national rugby team.

The Curry twins, Will Stuart and Maro Itoje were named in the starting line-up to face Ireland, before the bench was emptied and Fin Baxter was brought on in the 70th minute to make history as the seventh Londoner to enter the fray.

The only player in the team to come from London that did not feature was Elliot Daly, who was not selected for the matchday squad.

London players in the wider England squad

London-born players make up 22.2% of England’s Six Nations squad.

This is the third-highest figure since the inception of the Six Nations in 2000.

Tom Curry’s return from injury and Fin Baxter’s Six Nations debut boosted London’s representation in 2025.

2009 saw the greatest number of London-born players in the tournament side, with Londoners comprising a whopping 25% of the 36-man squad.

What position do London’s players traditionally occupy?

London has traditionally produced more forwards than backs.

Props and flankers are the most prevalent positions that are filled by London talent. Flanker Lawrence Dallaglio appeared in all but one Six Nations tournament from 2000 to 2006, whilst compatriot Joe Worsley was part of the squad from 2000 to 2009 with no omissions.

Hookers and centres from London appear to be far less present in England’s Six Nations squads. The only London-born centres ever appearing in the squad are Jordan Turner-Hall (2012) and Alex Lozowski (2017-2018). Hookers from London are also restricted to just two players in 25 years, George Chuter (2006-09) and Theo Dan (2024-25).

The England squad has also not seen a scrum-half from the capital since Joe Simpson was named in the Six Nations squad in 2012.

Fly-half remains the only position never occupied by a London-born player in the Six Nations.

The 2025 squad continues this forward-heavy trend, with three flankers (Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Ben Curry), two props (Fin Baxter and Will Stuart), one hooker (Theo Dan) and one lock (Maro Itoje) hailing from London.