England have made made a huge captaincy call ahead of a a crucial Six Nations with head coach Steve Borthwick appointing Maro Itoje as captain. The Saracens lock, long one of his nation’s most consistent performers, takes the role from club colleague Jamie George to begin a new era for the side.
After a disappointing autumn to conclude an up-and-down 2024, Borthwick is a man under pressure as he prepares to take charge of his third Six Nations campaign. It’s a demanding start for England, too, with Ireland in Dublin on the opening weekend followed by France back on home soil a week later to open the tournament. A 36-man squad has been named today with standout Premiership performers including Tom Willis of Saracens earning inclusion.
