Ugo Monye reveals all about England resurgence ahead of Six Nations opener vs Wales
Ugo Monye says strength in depth forged by England’s absent Lions laid the foundations for their stunning 2025 resurgence.
Steve Borthwick’s side kick off their Six Nations campaign off the back of 11 wins on the spin – three of which came in Argentina and the USA during last summer’s Lions tour to Australia. That left the Red Rose without 15 senior players who were called up to Andy Farrell’s triumphant side, paving the way for several young stars to get a taste of international action in La Plata, San Juan and Washington DC.
Borthwick handed out 10 debuts across the three Tests as the likes of Guy Pepper, Max Ojomoh and Luke Northmore all impressed on the transatlantic trip. And Monye, who played 14 times for England between 2008 and 2012, reckons that experience provided the platform for England’s autumn international clean sweep.
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“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this run has come around that Lions tour last summer,” said Monye, speaking ahead of England’s opener against Wales today. “With 15 players on that tour, which is amazing in its own right, it allowed Steve to expose so many different players to international rugby.
“That tour to Argentina, who at the time were fifth in the world and just beaten the Lions, were effectively beaten by an England A side 2-0 in their own backyard. The strength in depth and quality we now have was built in Argentina last summer.
“Whatever happens over the next 18 months, Six Nations and World Cup, I think the belief and quality we have been able to build all happened in the summer of 2025.
“I’m really happy for Steve, the squad and how they’re tracking – the next step will just be having some tangible evidence for their progress.”
England followed up that successful summer tour with autumn Twickenham triumphs over Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina. And they head into this year’s Six Nations bidding to banish recent demons and clinch their first championship title since 2020.
Monye can’t wait for the annual spectacle and is relishing the prospect of a potential Grand Slam decider in Paris.
“It’s going to be mega – I love the Six Nations,” added Monye, a TNT Sports pundit who was speaking from Cortina ahead of the Winter Olympics. "I think it’s the envy of lots of sports – it’s not just about the quality on the pitch but the legions of fans who make that pilgrimage, tens of thousands of fans, the rivalries and the histories and a melting pot of all of that.
“To have played in it, to broadcast on it, I can’t wait. France are the champions but without getting too carried away, I would love to see a showdown in Paris. France against England with everything on the line – it would be amazing.”
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