Maro Itoje to Captain England in Six Nations as Captaincy Changes Hand
By [Your Name], Staff Reporter
In a surprising move, Steve Borthwick has announced a significant change in the England Six Nations squad captaincy. Maro Itoje will now lead the team, taking over from Jamie George. George, who held the captaincy since the 2023 World Cup, will transition to the role of vice-captain alongside Ellis Genge. This decision marks a pivotal moment as Itoje takes on the permanent captaincy position, having previously deputised for George on occasions.
Borthwick has finalised a 36-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, with notable inclusions such as Saracens’ No. 8 Tom Willis. However, veteran prop Dan Cole and scrum-half Ben Spencer have been left out of the squad. Borthwick praised Itoje’s leadership qualities, highlighting his experience and influence both on and off the field. The Saracens star’s dedication to high standards and ability to motivate the team were key factors in his appointment as captain.
Jamie George, with 97 caps to his name, will continue to play a pivotal role in the squad as vice-captain. At 34, George faces competition for his position ahead of the 2027 World Cup, particularly from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Theo Dan. Concerns had been raised about George’s captaincy due to his tendency to be substituted early in closely contested games. England’s performance in 2024 saw them secure five victories out of 12 Tests, with narrow losses to France, New Zealand, and Australia.
Expressing his gratitude for the captaincy role, Itoje stated, “I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to have been asked by Steve to be England captain.” Acknowledging the responsibility that comes with the position, Itoje affirmed his readiness to give his all for the team and the fans. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the team’s achievements under George’s leadership and highlighted the support from senior players within the squad.
Other changes in the squad include the inclusion of Saracens’ in-form No. 8 Tom Willis and the return of Alex Mitchell at scrum-half. Leicester’s Joe Heyes and Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been added as tighthead options, while Oscar Beard and Fraser Dingwall provide midfield alternatives. The squad boasts a mix of experience and emerging talent, with a focus on building on past performances and achieving success in the upcoming tournament.
The England Six Nations squad comprises a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising prospects, aiming to make a mark in the competition. With Maro Itoje at the helm, supported by a strong leadership group, England will look to showcase their resilience and skill on the international stage. As the tournament draws near, anticipation and excitement are building among fans and pundits alike, eager to see how the revamped squad will fare under new leadership.
In conclusion, the England Rugby Union team’s announcement of Maro Itoje as captain marks a significant chapter in the squad’s journey. The restructured leadership, complemented by a refreshed squad selection, sets the stage for an intriguing Six Nations campaign. All eyes will be on Itoje and his team as they embark on this new chapter, filled with challenges and opportunities to make their mark in the rugby landscape.