One was forced to retire at just 27. Another has earned a surprise England recall. And a third could soon be wearing a Springboks shirt.

Eddie Jones' final five England debutants have taken very different paths since his dismissal in December 2022.

One has already walked away from rugby. Another is back in Steve Borthwick's plans after four years without a Test appearance.

There's also a potential international switch on the cards, while two others remain firmly in the England picture.

With the Nations Championship approaching, here's where Jones' final five debutants are now.

1. Guy Porter – Retired aged 27

England debut: Australia, 9 July 2022England caps: 5

Guy Porter looked to have a bright future when he broke into the England squad in 2022.

The Leicester Tigers centre had just helped his club win the Premiership when Jones handed him his debut against Australia in Brisbane.

He went on to earn five England caps, scoring his only international try against Japan later that year.

But his career came to a premature end.

In July 2024, Porter announced his retirement from professional rugby at just 27 after struggling to recover from a long-term injury.

The former England centre later revealed he had consulted doctors and neurologists before deciding to walk away.

Speaking about the difficult decision, Porter admitted he had pushed himself as far as he wanted to.

"I only really enjoyed it if I was willing to put my head in the spokes."

He explained that once he no longer felt comfortable taking those risks, he knew it was time to move on.

Porter added: "I felt like the ongoing risk outweighed my desire to continue."

As RUCK previously reported, the former England centre chose not to pursue another contract.

He walked away with a Premiership winners' medal and five England caps.

A promising career cut short, but a decision Porter made on his own terms.

2. David Ribbans – Toulon

England debut: Japan, 12 November 2022England caps: 11

David Ribbans could be about to complete one of international rugby's more unusual career turns.

The South African-born lock made his England debut against Japan in November 2022, becoming the final player handed a first cap by Jones.

He went on to win 11 caps and helped England finish third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, his move from Northampton Saints to Toulon effectively ended his England career under the RFU's overseas selection policy.

Now, remarkably, he could end up playing against them.

England World Cup star could switch to South Africa

Ribbans reaches a major milestone on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

That date marks three years since his final England appearance, against Argentina in the 2023 World Cup bronze-medal match.

Born in Somerset West, the 31-year-old meets the birthright requirement to represent South Africa.

Once his three-year stand-down period is complete, he could apply to switch international allegiance, subject to World Rugby's approval.

And Rassie Erasmus has already acknowledged the former England forward as a potential option.

As RUCK revealed earlier this month, the Springboks boss admitted Ribbans was among the players being considered.

Erasmus said: "We are also looking at someone like David Ribbans, not that they must get their hopes up."

But there's a catch.

Speaking to The Telegraph in April 2025, Ribbans admitted he had reservations about representing two countries.

"I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries," he explained.

He added that England had become his second home and he remained proud to have represented them.

No switch has been confirmed, and there's no guarantee Erasmus will select him.

Still, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, the Springboks could soon have another experienced lock available for consideration.

3. Will Joseph – Gloucester Rugby

England debut: Australia, 9 July 2022England caps: 1

Four years after making his England debut, Will Joseph is finally back in the international picture.

The younger brother of former England and Lions centre Jonathan Joseph won his first cap against Australia in Brisbane in July 2022.

He was just 19 at the time.

But despite his early promise, that remains his only England appearance.

Joseph moved from London Irish to Harlequins before joining Gloucester in 2025.

And that latest move has helped put him back on Borthwick's radar.

The 24-year-old has impressed with his pace, footwork and attacking threat during the opening weeks of the Gallagher PREM season.

Now he's been rewarded with a place in England's training squad ahead of the Nations Championship.

As RUCK reported following the squad announcement, Joseph is among the midfield options hoping to force their way into the matchday squad.

England face Australia on Sunday, 8 November.

Four years after making his debut against the Wallabies, Joseph could finally get another opportunity against the same opposition.

4. Alex Coles – Northampton Saints

England debut: Argentina, 6 November 2022

Alex Coles made his England debut against Argentina in November 2022, just weeks before Jones was shown the door.

The Northampton Saints forward has since become a familiar face in Borthwick's squads.

He helped Saints win the Premiership in 2024 and reach the Champions Cup final the following year.

Capable of playing in the second row or at blindside flanker, Coles offers England valuable cover across the pack.

He's also been included in the latest training squad ahead of the Nations Championship.

While others from Jones' final group have seen their international careers stall, Coles remains firmly in contention.

He'll be hoping to add to his England appearances this autumn.

5. Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints

England debut: Australia, 9 July 2022

Tommy Freeman has arguably enjoyed the biggest rise of anyone on this list.

The Northampton Saints winger made his England debut against Australia in Brisbane in July 2022, alongside Guy Porter.

But his early international career was hardly straightforward.

Freeman struggled to establish himself under Jones and initially found opportunities limited when Steve Borthwick took charge.

That soon changed.

The powerful winger helped Northampton win the Premiership in 2024 before becoming one of England's most dangerous attacking players.

His performances earned him selection for the British & Irish Lions' 2025 tour of Australia.

Not bad for a player who had struggled to nail down a regular England place just a few years earlier.

Freeman has since become a key figure in Borthwick's plans and is back in the squad for the Nations Championship.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, he looks set to play an important role in England's future.

Five players, five very different careers

One has been forced to retire at just 27. Another is back in the England picture after four years without a Test appearance.

Ribbans could soon become eligible to represent South Africa, while Coles and Freeman remain part of Borthwick's plans.

Jones may have left England almost four years ago, but his final debutants are still making headlines.

Pick your England XV

With the Nations Championship approaching, it's time to make your own selection.

Joseph, Freeman and Coles are all in the latest training squad, but who deserves a starting place?

Pick your England XV below and have your say.