REVEALED: The highly-rated England star Wales are trying to poach, the latest on Ben Youngs’ future and Sky’s plans for Lions tour take shape – RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL

In the early hours of Sunday morning, England’s players returned from wrap-up party at Dirty Martini bar in Cardiff city centre.

Celebrating their victory over Wales, they mingled in the changing room with Kate Middleton – patron of the Rugby Football Union – before piling into crates of Guinness and Cruzcampo lager.

There was a quick dash back to watch France’s victory over Scotland at St David’s Hotel, where half-centurion Will Stuart and debutant Henry Pollock got up on stage to sing.

Ben Earl, Harry Randall and Elliot Daly are responsible for organising team social events and they booked a private area in the Cardiff cocktail bar that is known for its boozy brunches. England missed out on the title but there was plenty to celebrate before they went their separate ways.

After breakfast on Sunday morning, the likes of Ellis Genge and Henry Slade, who all live in the South West, made their own way home from Cardiff. The players from London and the Midlands took the bus back to Pennyhill Park, where their cars were waiting.

One of the perks of being an international rugby player is the discounted rates at luxury hotels. The likes of Tom Curry and Alex Mitchell arrived in Dubai on Monday for a well-earned holiday, while Marcus Smith headed to Miami with his girlfriend.

England returned from a Six Nations wrap-up party – enjoyed in Cardiff city centre – on Sunday

They mingled with Kate Middleton – patron of the Rugby Football Union – before the celebrations began

Steve Borthwick had targeted four wins from five in the tournament, meaning everyone went home happy

As the hangovers subsided, Bill Sweeney began his end-of-tournament review with his famously anonymous panel. It is likely to be a formality. Steve Borthwick hit his target of four wins from five and everyone went home happy.

One of Borthwick’s next steps is devising a plan to integrate more of the highly successful Under 20 side into his plans. This summer’s tour of Argentina could provide that opportunity, although they may opt to focus on back-to-back wins at the Junior World Championships.

‘One aspect that the England pathway over the last couple of years is starting to develop is credit to those working in the pathway and to the players,’ said Borthwick.

‘There was a period when that wasn’t the case. When you look to 2027, I am sure more of those players will be in the England squad. That balance will also be the experience of playing Test level but some players will fast track.’

Pontypool-born hooker Kepu Tuipulotu is top of the list of youngsters, with the Welsh Rugby Union resigned to losing the powerful youngster to the England team.

However, Rugby Confidential understands the WRU are plotting to recruit No 8 Kane James, who has captained England Under 20s and plays for Exeter.

James was born and raised in Cardiff and his name is on a list of players the Welsh are hoping to repatriate as part of a long-term redevelopment plan.

The mood music is bleak for Wales, but English spirits have been lifted and they ended the tournament with plenty to be optimistic about.

The WRU are resigned to losing Pontypool-born hooker Kepu Tuipulotu to England

They are, however, targeting No 8 Kane James, who had captained England’s Under 20s but was born and raised in Cardiff

Youngs to France?

Racing 92 have enquired about a surprising move for England’s most-capped player Ben Youngs.

Youngs is yet to renew his contract with Leicester Tigers as the club have not found a coaching replacement for Michael Cheika.

Youngs, 35, has spent his entire career at Welford Road and is already preparing for life after rugby by launching a highly successful podcast.

Racing 92 are considering offering an short-term option for the veteran, which could reunite him with former England No 10 Owen Farrell.

The French club are in the market for No 9 cover after losing Nolann Le Garrec to La Rochelle.

French side Racing 92 have enquired about a surprising move for scrum-half Ben Youngs

Racing 92, in the market for a No 9, are considering offering an short-term option for veteran

Go, go, go Joseph

Breakthrough Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii is quickly gaining A-list status in Australia, having been invited to last weekend’s Melbourne F1 Grand Prix as a guest of Louis Vuitton.

The rugby league convert, who is expected to star for the Lions this summer, was decked out in designer clobber and mingled with the likes of Dan Carter and Leon Marchand.

Star-studded Lions pundits

Warren Gatland, Ronan O’Gara and Dan Biggar are being lined up to feature on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Lions tour this summer.

The broadcaster are set to be on the ground throughout the tour of Australia, which should mean there is no repeat of the London-based studio coverage used by ITV during the Six Nations.