England lock Maro Itoje has taken over the reins from Jamie George as captain (Picture: Getty)
Maro Itoje has taken over from Jamie George as England’s captain ahead of this year’s Six Nations.
George, 34, had been serving as Steve Borthwick’s skipper following Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby in late 2023.
But Borthwick has opted to replace George with Saracens team-mate Itoje amid mounting speculation over the hooker’s place in England’s starting XV for next month’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.
Itoje was announced as Saracens’ permanent captain at the start of the 2024/25 season and has taken on a greater leadership role with England in recent years.
The 30-year-old lock, who is also comfortable playing in the back row, has been capped 88 times by England having made his debut against Italy back in 2016.
Facing the media this afternoon, England head coach Borthwick said Itoje’s leadership experience and respect within the group made him ‘ideally placed’ for the position.
‘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 told reporters.
Itoje has been capped 88 times by England (Picture: Getty)
George had been leading the team since Farrell stepped aside (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
England’s Six Nations 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).
Borthwick’s men open their Six Nations campaign away to Ireland on February 1 (Picture: Getty)
Itoje has won three Six Nations titles with England and was an integral part of Eddie Jones’ side that finished runners-up to South Africa at the 2019 World Cup.
At club level, Itoje is among the most decorated players in the modern game having lifted five Premiership trophies and three European Rugby Champions Cups during his time with Saracens.
On his reaction to being named skipper, Itoje explained: ‘I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been asked by Steve to be England captain.
England’s Six Nations fixtures
Ireland v England (Aviva Stadium – February 1
England v France (Twickenham) – February 8
England v Scotland (Twickenham) – February 22
England v Italy (Twickenham) – March 9
Wales v England (Principality Stadium) – March 15
Itoje made his England debut against Italy in 2016 (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
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