Henry Arundell targeted becoming England’s Cheslin Kolbe and what would be an emotional cap against Scotland after his 35-minute hat-trick destroyed Wales.
On his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup, Arundell scored with all of his first three touches in a 48-7 hammering as Steve Borthwick’s side started their Six Nations title bid with a bang.
The treble took Arundell’s impressive strike rate to 11 tries in 12 appearances for his country.
When the 23-year-old’s first club London Irish collapsed into administration in 2023, Arundell joined French side Racing 92. As such, he was ineligible for England duty between the culmination of the last global showpiece and the start of this season.
But after joining Bath – the club he supported growing up – Arundell is now back in a white shirt and showing what he can do. The boy wonder, who has always had a knack for scoring sensational solo tries, has worked hard to improve his all-round game – looking to South African flyer and double World Cup winner Kolbe for inspiration.
Arundell is not at Kolbe’s level yet. But his return to the England squad is a big plus for national boss Borthwick.
Henry Arundell starred with a 35-minute hat-trick in England’s victory against Wales
Arundell has an impressive strike rate of scoring 11 tries in 12 appearances for his country
The England star has targeted becoming their version of South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe
‘I’ve always focused a lot on my attack. It’s a strength, so you want to make it a super strength. But now it’s about how good a player I can be,’ Arundell said. ‘It’s the all-round game. Someone I would look up to would be Kolbe.
‘He’s probably the best winger in the world in terms of his all-round game.
‘I back my attacking game all the time, so then it’s about developing the other sides as well to help the team.
‘Nothing beats playing for England.’
Arundell’s hat-trick against a woeful Wales was the first England treble in the Six Nations since Jonny May against France in 2019. Such was the paucity of their opposition that Borthwick’s side was utterly dominant, Arundell running riot as England took a total monopoly on territory and possession.
‘All rugby fans will dream of a moment like that,’ Arundell said of his special scoring feat.
‘The kids playing at grassroots would I hope dream of that too because I was that kid a few years ago. All wingers want the ball. It would be a bit strange if you didn’t.
‘There is always a bit of ego with wanting to score tries, but I try to stay level-headed. It’s an awesome memory and I’ll enjoy it for sure. I’ll definitely look back on it in a couple of years’ time.
England will be without Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for the Six Nations due to a hamstring injury
Arundell hopes to earn a start against Scotland in Feyi-Waboso’s absence, which would be an emotional occasion having lived in Edinburgh when growing up
‘I think the risk is getting too high and thinking you’re something you’re not.’
England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is set to miss the rest of the Six Nations after withdrawing from the Wales game after suffering a hamstring injury in training last Thursday. ‘He will be out for a number of weeks,’ Borthwick said of Waboso.
‘I don’t know how many weeks. We’ve got a specialist opinion. It’s disappointing.
‘But that’s unfortunately the nature of elite sport. There are injuries and then you have to adapt.’
Arundell is not guaranteed a start in Edinburgh, but his Wales hat-trick and Feyi-Waboso’s absence means he is in a strong position to retain his shirt. Facing Scotland would represent a special game for Arundell.
Born in Cyprus, he was educated as a child at Bonaly Primary School in Edinburgh while his father Ralph was stationed in the Scottish capital as part of his Army work.
‘It would be cool for me to play at Murrayfield because I’ve got Scottish family. We lived in Edinburgh for a bit,’ Arundell said. ‘We’re all firmly English now. But there’s always the emotional attachment to Flower of Scotland.
‘It would be a bucket list place for me to play.’
George Ford, England’s man of the match against Wales, highlighted Arundell’s impressive work in the air and defensively as well as his finishing ability
England No 10 George Ford was man of the match against Wales. He, Arundell, Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl all stood out, though far tougher challenges await.
Ford said of Arundell: ‘I don’t think you can question his finishing, his speed and his X Factor, but the biggest thing is the work he’s done in the air and defensively. You need some speed to create opportunities.’
Scotland’s embarrassing round-one defeat by Italy in Rome means England’s next opponents and their head coach Gregor Townsend are under immense pressure.
Townsend’s consultancy role with Red Bull and likely next move to Newcastle – the club now owned by the energy drink giants – has fuelled debate he has let his Scottish focus slip.
There can be no doubt the former fly-half is clinging to his job.
Townsend insisted after Rome that he wants to continue in his role, but that call may yet be taken out of his hands.
Equally, Townsend will know victory over England will instantly earn him praise. Scotland were beaten at Twickenham by a point in 2025 but prior to that had won four straight matches over England.
You have to go back to 2020 for an English win in Edinburgh.
Murrayfield has not been a good recent hunting ground for those in white.
But after moving to 12 wins in a row by battering hapless Wales, England will head for Scotland in confident mood.
‘The team’s in a different place now,’ said Borthwick.
‘We know Scotland are a top-quality side. They’re steered so well by Finn Russell at 10, who’s regarded by many as being the best fly-half in the world. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of emotion from them.’
