Rugby World Cup 2027: England captain Maro Itoje has dismissed suggestions of tension within the squad following a heated on-field exchange during their recent Six Nations defeat to Italy. As England prepares for a crucial clash against France in Paris this weekend. Itoje insists the team remains united and focused despite the disappointing result.
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The incident occurred during England’s 23–18 loss to Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, a defeat that extended the team’s losing run in the Guinness Six Nations. Early in the second half, Itoje was seen in a lively discussion with fly-half Fin Smith, along with vice-captains Ellis Genge and Jamie George.
The conversation revolved around a tactical decision. Whether England should take a penalty kick at goal for three points or attempt to create a scoring opportunity by kicking for an attacking line-out. During the exchange, microphones picked up Itoje telling Smith, don’t argue with me.
Take the three, a moment that quickly drew attention and sparked speculation that tensions might be building within the England camp. However, the England skipper has been quick to downplay the incident, saying it was simply a normal part of communication on the field. According to Itoje, there is no conflict between him and Smith or any other senior players in the squad.
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Rugby World Cup: England Captain Clears Up Exchange
He explained that strong relationships within the team actually make it easier for players to have honest conversations in the heat of the moment and then move on without any lingering issues. There’s no crack between us, Itoje said. Fin is a great guy, and we get along very well. When you have a good relationship with someone.
You can have those kinds of discussions and move on quickly afterward. Itoje also suggested that the attention surrounding the exchange has been exaggerated because it happened during a loss. In his view, such moments are common in professional sport, where players must make split-second decisions and express their opinions openly.
The Saracens’ lock also laughed off suggestions that he had lost his temper. Saying the moment sounded more dramatic because he happened to be wearing a microphone. Itoje explained that he often consults key decision-makers in the team.
Especially whoever is playing at fly-half, since that role is central to tactical decisions during matches. He said that during the situation against Italy, he had initially asked Smith and others what they believed was the best option. Smith shared his view, Itoje shared his own, and the captain simply wanted the team to move quickly to the next phase of play.
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Itoje believes it is actually a positive sign that players feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their opinions on the field. He added that disagreements about tactics are a natural part of competitive sport and far from unusual in elite teams.
In fact, that was probably one of the mildest disagreements you’ll ever see, Itoje said with a smile. We’ve had much more direct conversations among ourselves and with other teammates. It’s really not a big deal.
He even revealed that the players laughed about the moment shortly afterward while still on the pitch, highlighting that there were no hard feelings. England’s squad arrived in Paris on Thursday after spending several days training in Verona, Italy, as they prepared for the decisive Six Nations fixture at the Stade de France.
The match represents an important opportunity for the team to end a difficult run of form, having lost their last three Test matches. Head coach Steve Borthwick has made one adjustment to his starting lineup for the game against France.
Ollie Chessum has been selected at blindside flanker, while Sam Underhill will begin the match on the bench. Borthwick has faced growing scrutiny after England’s recent performances, but he received a vote of confidence from the Rugby Football Union earlier this week. The governing body confirmed its support for the head coach despite the team’s struggles.
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