Maro Itoje replaces Jamie George as England captain for Six Nations, Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley in training squad
Published 14/01/2025 at 11:58 GMT
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Steve Borthwick has made a big change to the leadership of his squad for the Six Nations with Maro Itoje named as captain in place of Jamie George, who has led the team since the 2023 World Cup. George becomes vice-captain along with Ellis Genge. England begin their campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, February 1. Uncapped Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley are included in training squad.
George 'couldn't be more confident' in England's future despite five successive Test defeats
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England will have a new captain for the Six Nations with Maro Itoje selected by Steve Borthwick to lead his team into the competition.
Jamie George has skippered the side since the 2023 World Cup, but the hooker found himself substituted during their Test matches at the end of 2024.
George and Ellis Genge will support Itoje as vice-captains.
Speaking about the decision, head coach 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.
"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."
Saracens lock Itoje made his England debut in the 2016 Six Nations against Italy and is ready to take on a new responsibility for this year’s tournament.
"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," he said.
"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."
Uncapped Beard and Murley included in squad
Borthwick has named a 36-player training squad for this year’s Six Nations as they prepare for their opening match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, February 1.
Two uncapped players feature in the group with Harlequins duo Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley hoping for the chance to represent their country for the first time.
"I’ve selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group," Borthwick said.
"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."
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Oscar Beard
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Following their opener against Ireland, England will face France at Allianz Stadium (February 8), before taking on Scotland (February 22) and Italy (March 9) at the same stadium.
Their final match of the competition will see them travel to Cardiff to face Wales on Saturday, March 15.
England 36-player training squad
Forwards:
Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 11 caps)
Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, 16 caps)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 37 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 66 caps) – vice-captain
Jamie George (Saracens, 97 caps) – vice-captain
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 88 caps) – captain
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
Tom Willis (Saracens, 1 cap)
Backs:
Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 98 caps)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 69 caps)
Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 39 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)
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