England coach makes huge captaincy decision ahead of Six Nations
Yesterday at 07:23 AM
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed his squad and a new captain for the 2025 Six Nations.
Veteran lock Maro Itoje has replaced Jamie George as captain and becomes the 136th player to hold the role since Frederick Stokes first led an England side in 1871.
George will be a vice-captain along with Ellis Genge.
The 36-player squad – consisting of 20 forwards and 16 backs – will gather at Pennyhill Park on Tuesday, January 21 before flying to Girona to begin their preparations for the Six Nations Championship.
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The two uncapped players in the squad are Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley (both Harlequins).
"I've selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group," said Borthwick.
"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."
On naming Itoje as England captain, Borthwick added: "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.
"He's a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him."
Itoje made his international debut in the 2016 Six Nations against Italy. The Saracen has been an integral part of England sides over the last nine years.
In 2014, Maro captained England Under-20 to victory at the Junior World Championship Final. He made three Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand in 2017, and South Africa in 2021.
"I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been asked by Steve to be England captain," said Itoje.
"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."
See full squad below...
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England squad:
Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Bath Rugby), Maro Itoje (Saracens, captain), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Will Stuart (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).
Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers).
