In a significant move for England rugby, Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been called up to the senior squad for the first time ahead of the Autumn Nations Series match against Australia. Scheduled for November 9, 2023, at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, this match marks an exciting opportunity not just for Opoku-Fordjour but also for a new generation of rugby talent in England.
Opoku-Fordjour’s journey to this point has been impressive. After catching the eye of former England prop Joe Marler during a match last December, he has quickly established himself as a player of promise. Marler noted Opoku-Fordjour’s potential after witnessing his performance for Sale in the Premiership.
Marler expressed surprise at Opoku-Fordjour’s athleticism and skills, highlighting that he is not the conventional large tight-head prop but possesses a unique combination of agility and strength.
At just 20 years old and weighing 18 stones, Opoku-Fordjour has already made significant contributions in four out of six Premiership games this season. His ability to perform in both open play and set-piece situations sets him apart from others in his position.
Coaches and former players alike have praised Opoku-Fordjour’s raw power and athleticism. Andy Titterrell, who oversees forward development for England’s Under-20s, recalls being impressed by Opoku-Fordjour’s scrummaging abilities early on.
Titterrell emphasized that while traditional tight-head props were typically massive individuals, Opoku-Fordjour represents a new breed—one who combines strength with agility.
Moreover, Dorian West, another influential figure from the England rugby legacy, has been mentoring him. West believes that as Opoku-Fordjour continues to develop physically and mentally, he could become a formidable athlete on the international stage.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour’s ascent is part of a broader strategy within English rugby to nurture young talent capable of stepping into key roles as veteran players like Marler and Dan Cole near retirement.
With promising players such as Fin Baxter and Tarek Haffar making strides in their careers, England appears poised to usher in what could be considered a golden generation of front-row talent.
West suggests that while versatility is crucial in modern rugby, there remains an expectation that Opoku-Fordjour will ultimately find his best fit in the tight-head position.
As England prepares for its upcoming challenges, all eyes will be on this emerging talent as he looks to make his mark on the international stage. The future looks bright for both Opoku-Fordjour and English rugby as they navigate this transitional period together.
Darcy Graham made a triumphant return to international rugby, scoring four tries as Scotland secured an impressive 57-17 victory against Fiji in their Autumn Nations Series opener at Murrayfield.
Steve Borthwick’s England has achieved victories over higher-ranked teams just twice, facing Argentina in their Rugby World Cup opener and Ireland during this year’s Six Nations.