Maro Itoje has been appointed as England’s new skipper ahead of the upcoming Six Nations 2026. Steve Borthwick removing Jamie George from the position a year in charge. Borthwick has also rewarded the in-form No. 8 Tom Willis with selection for the crucial tournament, while leaving out Henry Pollock.
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Handing Itoje the captaincy permanently for the first time clearly signals Borthwick’s long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup. The 30-year-old lock, was made Saracens’ captain earlier this season, has long view as a natural. Leader for England breaking through under Eddie Jones in 2016. Importantly, Itoje is a guaranteed starter for Borthwick and regularly completes the full 80 minutes.
George, in contrast, is usually substituted around the hour mark – leaving Itoje to assume responsibility and at 34. He now faces pressure from Saracens teammate Theo Dan and Luke Cowan-Dickie. England’s struggles in the final quarter of matches during the autumn, an issue that persisted throughout 2024 when George was often off the field, pushed Borthwick into making the change.
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Six Nations 2026: Itoje’s Rise Through the Ranks
With 88 caps, Maro has been an essential figure in this squad for years, bringing immense experience both on and off the pitch, said Borthwick. He is a calm, influential leader, admired for his high standards and his ability to inspire those around him. George, popular as captain, has been moved into a vice-captain role alongside Ellis Genge.
At this stage of his career, he faces a tough battle to retain his place in the squad if he hopes to make it to a fourth Rugby World Cup in two years. Itoje, who guided England U20s to a world title in 2014, only this season stepped into senior leadership at Saracens. Back in 2021, Eddie Jones questioned Itoje’s suitability for England captaincy, even sending him to acting lessons to develop his leadership style. Jones wrote at the time.
I may be wrong, but I don’t see Maro as a future England captain. He will become one of the great players, but he is very self-driven and doesn’t usually influence others off the pitch. Itoje strongly rejected those claims in September, saying. I felt that was a misjudgment of who I am. Most people who know me and read those remarks recognised that they were not an accurate reflection of me as a person.
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Excitement Ahead of the Six Nations 2026
Following his official appointment. Itoje express his gratitude I feel deeply honoured to be ask Steve to lead England. It’s a massive privilege for me and my family, and I am thankful for this chance. With the role comes responsibility, but I believe I am at the right stage of my career to give everything to the team and supporters while performing at my best.
It is reassuring to have senior teammates to support me and to continue the progress made under Jamie, who has been an outstanding leader and a close friend. He added: I am excited by this group of players, all hungry for success, and I cannot wait to lead them in the Six Nations 2026. Alex Mitchell and Ollie Chessum, out in October, make welcome returns. Bristol winger Gabriel Ibitoye is name among the rehabilitation group.
With Mitchell back, Ben Spencer misses out, Trevor Davison. Alex Lozowski, and Charlie Ewels are also omitt after featuring last autumn. 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 2026.
Alex Mitchell and Ollie Chessum, who have not play in October, make welcome returns to the squad. Bristol’s winger Gabriel Ibitoye is list among the players who will undergo rehabilitation. Suggesting he features prominently in Borthwick’s thoughts. With Mitchell returning, Ben Spencer misses out, while Trevor Davison, Alex Lozowski, and Charlie Ewels also drop out, having been part of the squad last autumn.
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