Cadan Murley has been drafted into England’s 36-player squad for the upcoming Test match against Japan at Twickenham on Sunday, 24 November (kick-off at 4.10 pm, live on TNT Sports).
The Harlequins wing replaces Elliot Daly, who is sidelined due to injury.
Murley showed red-hot form as England A triumphed over Australia A at the Twickenham Stoop last weekend. The Harlequins hot-stepper turned heads with a dazzling solo run, snatching a high ball and weaving past several defenders to light up the first half. After the break, Murley made an impact with a superbly finished try in the corner, before adding another—a walk-in thanks to a slick miss pass from Fin Smith.
With two tries in that match, the uncapped 25-year-old has earned his chance to impress at Twickenham, stepping up in Daly’s absence. Meanwhile, fellow wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is still recovering from a concussion sustained during England’s thrilling 42-37 defeat to Australia on 9 November.
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Tom Curry Returns: Back-Row Enforcer Ready for Japan Clash
Good news for England fans—Tom Curry is back. The Sale Sharks flanker, who suffered a concussion in the same Australia clash, has completed his return-to-play protocol and replaces Bath’s Charlie Ewels in the squad. Curry and Feyi-Waboso were both missed in England’s recent 29-20 loss to South Africa, but the influential back-rower is now cleared to suit up.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: The Rising Star Stays in the Mix
Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour continues to impress. After training with the senior squad and making his mark for England A, he’s retained his spot as preparations intensify for the Test against Japan. This inclusion highlights his rapid ascent through the ranks and keeps him firmly in Steve Borthwick’s plans.
England’s clash with Japan at Allianz Stadium promises high stakes and electric rugby, with Murley and Curry now set to play pivotal roles.
Forwards
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby)
Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
Backs
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
Alex Lozowski (Saracens)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
Luke Northmore (Harlequins)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
Previous encounters
2024: Japan 17-52 England
2023: England 34-12 Japan
2022: England 52-13 Japan
2018: England 35-15 Japan
1987: England 60-7 Japan
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