Six Nations squad: Steve Borthwick strips Jamie George of captaincy as Maro Itoje skippers England while form-Premiership forward rewarded

Louis Chapman Coombe
An image of Maro Itoje with an indent of Tom Willis

Maro Itoje and Tom Willis will both feature this Six Nations.

Steve Borthwick has handed Saracens lock Maro Itoje the England captaincy ahead of the Six Nations, with Jamie George demoted to vice-captain.

Itoje has impressed in the role as Saracens skipper this season and will become the 136th man to captain the national side.

Maro Itoje named England captain for Six Nations

Commenting on giving Itoje the captaincy, Borthwick said: “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.

“His strong rapport with the squad and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.
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“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.”

Also commenting on the news, 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.”


He added: “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.
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“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.”

Premiership sensation sees form rewarded in strong England squad

Sensational number eight Tom Willis has seen his brilliant Premiership form finally rewarded with a call-up to the national side, just months after being axed ahead of the Autumn Nations Series. Fraser Dingwall Joe Heyes, Oscar Beard and Bevan Rodd are also the new names drafted into the squad after missing out in November.

Elsewhere, Ollie Chessum and Alex Coles are welcome returnees after missing the autumn through injury.

But, there is no room for the experienced Dan Cole, who is replaced by the aforementioned Heyes. In-form back Will Muir once again misses out on selection, with the Bath man not invited to the group for rehabilitation on his hamstring injuries.

Young gun Asher Opoku-Fordjour has retained his spot in the senior squad, but fellow starlet Henry Pollock has not made the cut.

England squad for the Six Nations in full

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, George Martin, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Bevan Rodd, Will Stuart, Tom Willis

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

READ MORE: England: Maro Itoje tipped for captaincy as ‘doubt’ over Jamie George’s place grows – report