England explain plan for possible Ellis Genge absence versus Wales

England have revealed there are “plans in place” to cover for Ellis Genge’s possible absence from the Guinness Six Nations clash against Wales on Saturday. Prop Genge’s partner Megan is due to give birth in the coming days, and their third child arriving on match day is a possibility.

Should the 70 times-capped Bristol forward be unavailable, then it is expected that Harlequins’ Fin Baxter would replace him, with 20-year-old Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour providing bench cover.

England vice-captain Genge took part in training at the Principality Stadium on Friday. “Obviously, look, his wife (is) due, but we have got plans in place to cover that if he needs to shoot off,” England scrum coach Tom Harrison said. “We are all ready for that.”

Harrison confirmed that Opoku-Fordjour, who made his Test debut against Japan earlier this season, is with the England squad as a travelling reserve. Asked if Genge would attend the birth if it happens on Saturday, Harrison added: “That will be a discussion with himself, Steve (Borthwick, the England head coach), and his wife.”

Genge indicated after England’s open training session in York two weeks ago that he would be present for the birth. England go into the Wales encounter with Six Nations title hopes, effectively requiring a five-point maximum and a Scotland victory over championship favourites France in Paris.

Wales, in contrast, are stiving to avoid the wooden spoon for a second successive season, although their scrum is an area of strength under coaching consultant Adam Jones. “They are a strong outfit,” Harrison said. “You have got Nicky Smith and WillGriff John who have been playing in the Premiership most of the season, so they will know our players well.

“They are well-coached by Adam Jones, who knows a lot of our players because he has coached against them. We are expecting a real challenge up-front. Adam has done a good job in terms of improving their scrum. We are looking forward to having a good contest Saturday.

“He is a unique individual, from my dealings with Adam. He has got their players believing in what he is coaching. He has changed their attitude around the scrum and made it important.”