Maro Itoje has replaced Jamie George as England captain ahead of their upcoming Six Nations campaign.
As Steve Borthwick revealed a 36-man training squad for his side’s tournament opener away to Ireland on February 1, the head coach dropped the bombshell that Itoje will replace fellow Saracens forward George as skipper.
The 30-year-old second row, who was also named Saracens captain in August last year, becomes the 136th player to hold the permanent position, with George maintaining a leadership role as one of two vice-captains alongside Ellis Genge.
“With 88 England caps, Maro has been a central figure in this squad for many years, bringing a vast amount of experience both on and off the field,” Borthwick said.
“He’s a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.
“His strong rapport with the squad and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.
“I’d like to recognise the outstanding leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been significant and will continue to play an important role as a vice-captain.”
Jamie George remains in a leadership role as vice-captain
Itoje added: “I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been asked by Steve to be England captain. It’s a truly incredible privilege for both me and my family, and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.
“With the role comes a great deal of responsibility, but I’m at a point in my career where I feel ready to give my all to serve the team and the fans with the captaincy, and also produce my best on the field.
“It’s reassuring to know there is a group of senior players to support me and help build on the achievements of Jamie, who has led the team brilliantly and who has been a great friend and leader for so many years.
“I am excited by the squad of players we have, who are all hungry for success, and I look forward to leading them out for the forthcoming Six Nations.”
Borthwick calls up uncapped Harlequins duo
Oscar Beard has impressed for Harlequins at centre this season
Borthwick has named uncapped Harlequins duo Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley in the group he will work with at Pennyhill Park and also in Girona, Spain ahead of his side’s campaign.
Beard, a 23-year-old centre, beat out competition from Bath’s Max Ojomoh for a place in the squad, having impressed for England A against Australia A in November.
Murley, who has impressed on the wing for Quins, is rewarded with a full call-up after scoring two tries for England A in that same fixture.
Cadan Murley scored two tries for England A against Australia A in November
England are missing wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and full back George Furbank, who are continuing their rehabilitation from injury with the national side’s medical team.
Alex Mitchell makes an expected return after injury, with Harry Randall and Jack van Poortvliet selected as the other scrum-half options, with Ben Spencer missing out.
Veteran prop Dan Cole is left out with his Leicester team-mate Joe Heyes brought into the squad alongside Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour as tighthead options.
Saracens number eight Tom Willis, who also featured for England A in November, earns a recall as he seeks to build on a sole England cap earned in 2023.
Tom Willis will be seeking to add to his one previous England cap
England lost five Tests in a row – spanning a two-Test tour of New Zealand last summer and Autumn internationals against the All Blacks, as well as Australia and South Africa – before getting back to winning ways in their last run-out against Japan.
Borthwick added: “I’ve selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group. The Six Nations is always a fiercely contested and exciting tournament, and this year will be no exception.
“We’re looking forward to the squad coming together in Girona to kick off our preparations for the opening challenge against Ireland in Dublin.”
England training squad
Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Ted Hill (Bath), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Martin (Leicester), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).
Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).
Six Nations 2025 fixtures: England
- February 1: Ireland (a)
- February 8: France (h)
- February 22: Scotland (h)
- March 9: Italy (h)
- March 15: Wales (a)
