When Fraser Dingwall pulled up injured during a routine training session on Friday, November 21, 2025, England’s midfield plans for their Autumn Nations Series finale against Argentina unraveled in seconds. The 24-year-old centre, who had started every match of England’s 2025 autumn campaign and scored a crucial try against the New Zealand All Blacks just days earlier, was ruled out with a side strain — a cruel twist just 72 hours before kick-off at Twickenham Stadium. In his place, Max Ojomoh, the 25-year-old Bath Rugby midfielder, got the call. It wasn’t just a swap. It was a test of depth. And England passed.
From Bench to Breakthrough
Ojomoh’s inclusion was anything but routine. He’d earned his first senior cap only six months prior, against the United States on July 6, 2025, in a warm-up match that barely registered on the global radar. Now, he was stepping into the shoes of a player who’d become a linchpin in England’s backline. His partnership with Henry Slade — a seasoned, instinctive playmaker — would need to gel instantly. No time for nerves. No time for mistakes. The 2025 Autumn Nations Series was on the line.
Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the change at 10:31 p.m. UK time on Friday, just minutes before the official team announcement. "Max’s work ethic, his defensive awareness, and his ability to read the game under pressure made him the clear choice," Wigglesworth said in a brief post-training interview. "He’s been waiting for this. Now he’s got to seize it."
England’s Injury Crisis Deepens
Dingwall’s absence was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. England’s autumn campaign had become a medical marathon. Ollie Lawrence, the starting centre who’d powered England’s 23-22 win over New Zealand, was out for the season with a shoulder injury. So was Jamie George, the veteran hooker, who went down in the same match. Tom Roebuck was sidelined with a hamstring tear. Tommy Freeman hadn’t played since November 9. Even Elliot Daly, returning from a broken arm suffered during the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, was only fit enough to start on the wing — not at fullback, his preferred spot.
By Sunday, seven players had been ruled out across the four-match series. That’s nearly a third of the matchday 23. For a team aiming to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, it was a brutal reality check.
The Lineup That Held Together
Head coach Steve Borthwick didn’t panic. He adapted. Ben Spencer replaced Alex Mitchell at scrum-half. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, just 21, started at tighthead prop — a bold move for a player who’d only made his international debut in June. Maro Itoje, the 29-year-old captain, led from the front, his presence steadying a squad that looked more like a development team than a World Cup contender.
The front row — Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Asher Opoku-Fordjour — held firm against Argentina’s powerful scrum. George Ford, at fly-half, controlled the tempo with surgical precision. And when Ojomoh broke through a gap in the 58th minute to set up a try for Elliot Daly, the crowd at Twickenham roared. It wasn’t just a score. It was a statement.
27-20: A Win That Meant More Than Points
England’s 27-20 victory over Argentina on November 24, 2025, completed a clean sweep of their autumn Tests — wins over Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and now Argentina. But the real story wasn’t the scoreboard. It was resilience. It was Ojomoh, who played 73 minutes with composure beyond his years. It was Opoku-Fordjour, who outmuscled seasoned props twice his age. It was the way Borthwick’s squad, battered and thin, refused to buckle.
"We didn’t have the squad we wanted," Borthwick admitted after the match. "But we had the right attitude. That’s what wins games when things go wrong."
What’s Next? The Road to 2027
With the Autumn Nations Series over, England now turns to the long-term. Dingwall’s injury — still being assessed at the Pennyhill Park training facility in Surrey — could sideline him for six to eight weeks. Lawrence’s rehab timeline is even longer. The RFU has already begun reviewing its medical protocols, especially after two key players went down in the same match against New Zealand.
For Ojomoh, this wasn’t just a one-off opportunity. It was a launchpad. If he performs well in the next few weeks of domestic rugby, he could force his way into the Six Nations squad in February. The same goes for Opoku-Fordjour, and for young backs like Joe Marchant and Alex Mitchell, who’ve now seen their chance to step up.
England didn’t just survive the autumn. They proved they can thrive without their stars. That’s the sign of a team building for something bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Max Ojomoh perform in his second England cap?
Max Ojomoh delivered a mature, impactful performance in his second England cap, playing 73 minutes at outside centre against Argentina on November 24, 2025. He made 12 tackles, completed 9 out of 10 passes, and set up Elliot Daly’s crucial try in the 58th minute. His defensive discipline and clean lineout reads helped neutralize Argentina’s attacking threats, earning praise from analysts and coach Steve Borthwick for his composure under pressure.
Why was Fraser Dingwall ruled out so close to the match?
Dingwall sustained a side strain during a final training session on Friday, November 21, 2025, just three days before kick-off. Despite aggressive physiotherapy and scans, medical staff at Pennyhill Park determined he couldn’t safely withstand the physical demands of a Test match. World Rugby’s 24-hour team announcement rule meant the decision had to be confirmed before the deadline, leaving no time for a last-minute recovery.
How many players were injured during England’s 2025 Autumn Nations Series?
Seven players were ruled out during England’s four-match 2025 Autumn Nations Series: Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Jamie George, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell (rotated), and Elliot Daly (returning from injury). The bulk of the injuries occurred during the narrow 23-22 win over New Zealand on November 16, highlighting concerns over match intensity and recovery protocols.
Who is now in line for a starting spot in the Six Nations?
Max Ojomoh and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are now strong contenders for Six Nations starting roles. Ojomoh’s performance against Argentina proved he can handle international pressure, while Opoku-Fordjour’s scrum dominance at just 21 years old has made him a favorite to replace the injured Jamie George. Young fly-half Sam Simmonds and centre Joe Marchant are also in the mix as injury replacements.
What does this mean for England’s World Cup preparations?
The injury crisis exposed depth issues but also revealed hidden talent. Steve Borthwick now has a clearer picture of who can step up under pressure. Players like Ojomoh, Opoku-Fordjour, and Mitchell are no longer fringe prospects — they’re part of the long-term plan. The RFU is reviewing squad rotation policies ahead of 2027, with more emphasis on rest and injury prevention in high-intensity matches.
When will Fraser Dingwall return to play?
Dingwall is undergoing further assessment at Pennyhill Park, with initial estimates suggesting a 6-8 week recovery timeline. He is unlikely to return before mid-January 2026, missing Bath’s Premiership fixtures and potentially England’s opening Six Nations match against Wales on February 1, 2026. His return will depend on how his side responds to rehab and whether there’s any risk of re-injury.