Henry Arundell nearly 'world-class' already - but Bath winger can become 'bullet-proof' with one improvement

Is Bath's rising star Henry Arundell a world-class winger yet? TNT Sports pundit Sam Warburton believes the England international is nearly there, but outlined one key area Arundell must improve to become "bullet-proof" as he targets a return to England action in the autumn. Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Quilter Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Arundell already 'world-class' - but can be 'bullet-proof' with one improvement

Video credit: TNT Sports

Henry Arundell is nearly "world-class" already - but can become "bullet-proof" with one key improvement, according to TNT Sports' Sam Warburton.

The flying Bath star was one of his side’s standout performers in a 38-17 win over west country rivals Gloucester on Saturday as he continues to make a splash on his return to the Gallagher PREM.

The former London Irish winger returned to English domestic rugby this summer with Bath after a two-year spell in France with Racing 92 and immediately caught the eye with two tries on the opening day against Harlequins, before adding another against Sale Sharks.

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Arundell's latest standout display against Gloucester at The Rec, where he was a constant menace despite not making it over the try line, impressed former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Warburton – although he had some advice for the 22-year-old too.

"I look at the situation Wales are in across the bridge, then I look at how many wingers England have got," Warburton said on TNT Sports after the game.

"It’s phenomenal the number of wingers who are playing really well just in these first few rounds of rugby.

"You get wingers who are really quick, wingers who are powerful, wingers who have good footwork; he [Arundell] has all three.

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"For me, being hyper-critical, there were a couple of high balls that went astray today.

"But if he gets the high ball thing nailed down, then he has all the makings of a world-class winger.

"He’s nearly there now. He’s world-class now in elements of his game. But once he gets the high ball sorted, he’s going to be almost bullet-proof as a winger."

Arundell has scored seven tries in 10 caps for England, although five of those came in one match against Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Bath man made his international debut in 2022 on a tour of Australia, scoring with his first touch from the bench, and he was later nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

He earned a place in England’s World Cup squad the following year and his five-try haul against Chile equalled a national record.

However, his progress at international level ground to a halt after the tournament, as his move to Paris to join Racing following the collapse of London Irish made him ineligible for England duty.

Arundell is now available for selection again after penning a three-year deal with reigning PREM champions Bath.

With three tries and three wins in three games so far, the 22-year-old has put himself firmly in contention for selection when Steve Borthwick names his England squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.

England face Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina over four consecutive weekends between November 1-23, with every game live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

There will be fierce competition for places in the back three, with Arundell set to compete for a spot with the likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Ollie Sleightholme, Elliot Daly and Tom Roebuck.

England will name their squad for the autumn on October 26.