When Steve Borthwick called on Tommy Freeman to step up and showcase his rap skills in front of the team, it wasn’t just about entertainment.
It was a lighthearted way to break the ice, but also a nod to Freeman’s reputation as a dynamic performer—both off and on the field.
His Northampton teammates have affectionately dubbed him ‘MC Freemo,’ a testament to his confidence and flair.
But when it comes to his rugby, Freeman’s real stage is the collision zone.
Statistics back up his power game—among all players who have carried the ball more than 15 times in this year’s Six Nations, only France’s Peato Mauvaka has been more effective at breaking the gain line.
That kind of explosiveness is exactly why Borthwick has decided to shift Freeman from the wing to the centre position for England’s upcoming clash.
A Strategic Shift in England’s Midfield
Freeman’s move to the No. 13 jersey is more than just a fill-in role for the injured Ollie Lawrence.
It signals a significant tactical adjustment.
Henry Slade, known for his finesse and playmaking abilities, has been left out altogether, reinforcing the idea that England is aiming for more direct power in the midfield.
The switch also puts Freeman closer to the heart of the action.
It’s a similar strategy to what Wales did with George North, converting a strong, athletic winger into a central attacking threat.
Borthwick sees this as a necessary step in building depth and options for England’s midfield moving forward.
A Role Freeman Has Been Preparing For
Freeman’s experience at centre isn’t entirely new.
Northampton first tested him there in a pre-season game against Cambridge in 2023, and injuries in the squad led to him getting extended time in the midfield, including a high-stakes Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster.
The goal? Get him on the ball as much as possible.
Northampton coach Sam Vesty has no doubt about Freeman’s potential in the role.
“Tommy has a natural instinct for reading the game. He knows where he needs to be, and he finds ways to score,” Vesty explained.
“Whether it’s powering through defenders, catching high balls, or executing precise passes, he’s got the full package.”
The All-Around Threat
Freeman’s skill set makes him a nightmare for defenders.
His ability to play across the field, combined with his passing and kicking game, allows him to contribute far beyond just finishing tries.
But playing at centre will require adjustments—his role will now focus more on distribution and running decoy lines, rather than solely hunting down scoring opportunities.
Yet, there’s history at stake. Freeman has scored in all four of England’s Six Nations matches so far.
If he crosses the try line again, he’ll become the first English player to score in every round of a Six Nations tournament—something only France’s Philippe Bernat-Salles has accomplished back in 2001.
England’s Midfield Faces a Defensive Test
While Freeman’s attacking prowess is undeniable, the real test will come in defense.
Playing in the centres demands quick reactions and the ability to handle fast-moving threats.
Wales will be looking to exploit any inexperience, analyzing Freeman’s Northampton performances at No. 13 to find potential weaknesses.
Vesty acknowledges the challenge. “Playing in the centres means dealing with direct, head-on collisions.
On the wing, defenders have to adjust their angles, but in the middle, it’s a straight-up physical battle. Tommy will have to be sharp in both his positioning and contact skills.”
No Safety Net on the Bench
Borthwick’s selection strategy adds another layer of pressure—there’s no specialist centre on the bench.
Freeman and Fraser Dingwall will need to go the full 80 minutes, with No. 8 Ben Earl as an emergency backup.
England has opted for a forward-heavy 6-2 bench split, doubling down on their power game.
Earl, however, sees similarities between back-row and centre roles.
“A lot of our back-row duties already involve defending wider and running strike plays. There’s not as much of a gap as people think between the two positions.”
A Defining Moment for Freeman
Borthwick is taking a bold gamble with Freeman at centre.
If it pays off, England’s midfield could gain a new dimension of attacking threat and physicality.
But if Freeman struggles under defensive pressure, Wales will be quick to capitalize.
One thing is certain—if all goes well, ‘MC Freemo’ will have plenty to celebrate.
And who knows? Maybe there’ll be another rap performance waiting at the end of it all.