England Announce Six Nations Squad with Itoje as Skipper

England rugby announces Maro Itoje as captain for the Six Nations tournament, with a 36-man squad named by head coach Steve Borthwick.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has announced a 36-man squad for the Six Nations tournament, with a notable change in leadership. Maro Itoje has replaced Jamie George as England captain, with Borthwick citing Itoje's experience and leadership qualities as key factors in the decision. Itoje, 30, takes over from his Saracens teammate George, who has been demoted to vice-captain.

Borthwick explained the reasoning behind the change, highlighting the fact that George, as a hooker, often finds himself being replaced early in the second half of games. Itoje, on the other hand, has previously deputized for George when he has been off the field and has also taken on the captaincy role at Saracens. Borthwick praised Itoje's leadership abilities, saying, “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 also highlighted Itoje's calm and influential leadership style, saying, “He's a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.” The head coach also acknowledged George's contributions as captain, saying, “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 squad announcement comes after a disappointing 2024 campaign, which saw the team win just five of their 12 Tests, including five straight defeats and three losses in a row at Twickenham. Borthwick will be hoping that Itoje's leadership can help turn the team's fortunes around in the Six Nations tournament.

At 34 years old, Jamie George is facing a challenging road ahead, with his involvement in the 2027 World Cup uncertain. Additionally, George is under pressure to maintain his position as the first-choice hooker, as he faces competition from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Theo Dan. This increased competition may have contributed to George's demotion to vice-captain, with Maro Itoje taking over as skipper.

Maro Itoje has expressed his gratitude and humility after being named as England's new captain. Itoje said, “It's a truly incredible privilege for both me and my family, and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.” He also acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with the captaincy, stating, “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.”

England head coach Steve Borthwick has announced his 36-man squad for the Six Nations, which includes in-form Saracens No. 8 Tom Willis. However, the squad is missing veteran prop Dan Cole and scrum-half Ben Spencer. England will face a tough test in their opening Six Nations match, as they take on two-time defending champions Ireland in Dublin on February 1st.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has announced his squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. The backline features a mix of experienced players and young talent, including Oscar Beard, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, George Ford, and Henry Slade. Other notable inclusions are Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, and Cadan Murley, who will all be looking to make an impact in the tournament.

The forward pack is equally impressive, with a blend of seasoned internationals and promising youngsters. Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, Alex Coles, and Luke Cowan-Dickie are among the forwards selected, along with the experienced Jamie George and Maro Itoje, who has been named as captain. Other notable inclusions are Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, and Ellis Genge, who will all be crucial to England's chances in the tournament.

Here is the full England squad for the Six Nations:

Backs:

 Oscar Beard

 Elliot Daly

 Fraser Dingwall

 George Ford

 Tommy Freeman

 Ollie Lawrence

 Alex Mitchell

 Cadan Murley

 Harry Randall

 Tom Roebuck

 Henry Slade

 Ollie Sleightholme

 Fin Smith

 Marcus Smith

 Freddie Steward

 Jack van Poortvliet

Forwards:

 

Fin Baxter

 Ollie Chessum

 Alex Coles

 Luke Cowan-Dickie

 Chandler Cunningham-South

 Ben Curry

 Tom Curry

 Theo Dan

 Alex Dombrandt

 Ben Earl

 Ellis Genge

 Jamie George

 Joe Heyes

 Ted Hill

 Maro Itoje (capt)

 George Martin

 Asher Opoku-Fordjour

 Bevan Rodd

 Will Stuart

 Tom Willis

Coach: Steve Borthwick