Joe Heyes reflects on ‘rollercoaster’ season with England after New Zealand victory, Six Nations slump - 'It didn’t feel real'
Published 12/06/2026 at 13:46 GMT+1
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Joe Heyes reflected on England’s ”incredible” and ”surreal” victory over New Zealand after being named the national team’s men’s player of the season at The Rugby Awards.
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In November's Quilter Nations Series clash, England overturned a 12-0 deficit to beat the All Blacks 33-19.
It was Steve Borthwick’s side’s 10th successive victory, and their first over the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.
”I found it incredibly surreal, facing the Haka,” Heyes told TNT Sports. ”It didn’t feel real.
”And obviously to get the result and come back from 12 points down was amazing. It was an incredible experience. I pinch myself every time I play for England.”
An expectant England entered the Six Nations on an 11-Test winning run, and were emboldened after dismantling Wales 48-7 in their tournament opener.
However, the wheels soon fell off. Borthwick’s men fell to a shock 30-21 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, which was followed by damaging losses to Ireland, Italy and France.
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”It’s been a season of ups and downs,” Heyes admitted. ”Our Autumn was an incredible experience, playing the All Blacks at Allianz, and getting all those wins.
”But then the Six Nations in contrast has been a challenge. Every time we run onto the pitch you want to do the best that you can for England.
”It’s not been the way we wanted it to go, so it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.”
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But England have an opportunity to redeem themselves in a demanding summer leg of the inaugural Nations Championship.
They take on South Africa in Johannesburg on July 4, before matches against Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero on the following two weekends.
Looking ahead, Heyes said: ”I’m massively excited.
"I would be excited anyway, regardless of the results, but because of the results we’ve had, I think there’s a huge drive in the England team to right the wrongs, but also prove a point to each other and individuals as well. I am incredibly excited.”
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