The 27-year-old was born in Auckland and previously played Super Rugby for the Highlanders.

He represented the Māori All Blacks in 2022 but qualifies for England through his Cornish mother.

His journey has also taken him through French rugby with Perpignan before joining Newcastle Red Bulls this summer.

The 6ft 6in forward has wasted little time making an impression in the PREM.

His performances earned him an England A opportunity against Argentina XV last Friday, when he came off the bench at The Rec.

Three days later, he's training with the senior squad.

Quite the turnaround.

England debut against the All Blacks?

Hicks can operate at lock or in the back row, giving Borthwick another option following injuries to Ollie Chessum and Tom Curry.

Chessum could return for the All Blacks clash, but Curry has been ruled out for the remainder of the autumn.

England face Japan on Saturday before welcoming New Zealand to Twickenham on 21 November.

A Test debut is far from guaranteed, but Hicks now has the chance to face the country of his birth in an England shirt.

Four years after representing the Māori All Blacks, he could be lining up against New Zealand's senior side.

Rugby has a funny way of coming full circle.