Maro Itoje replaces Jamie George as England captain for Six Nations

Tom Willis rewarded but no place for Henry Pollock

CAPTAIN: England's Manu Tuilagi, Maro Itoje, and Jamie George sing their national anthem ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023 semi final match at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis. 

Maro Itoje has been installed as England’s new captain before the forthcoming Six Nations with Steve Borthwick stripping Jamie George of the role after 12 months. Borthwick has also selected the in-form No 8 Tom Willis for a crucial championship but overlooked Henry Pollock.

Borthwick’s decision to hand Itoje the captaincy on a permanent basis for the first time signals his intentions for the 2027 World Cup. The 30-year-old second row was made Saracens captain at the start of the season and has been tipped as a leader of England ever since he made his breakthrough under Eddie Jones in 2016.