Borthwick Stakes Future on 'World-Class' Itoje as Captain

Maro Itoje will lead England into the Six Nations after Steve Borthwick ditched Jamie George as captain and promoted the second row before a campaign that promises to make or break the head coach's tenure.

- Gerard Meagher

Borthwick said George was "disappointed" to lose the captaincy after only 12 months but explained the decision to appoint Itoje was made on the basis that he is a "world-class player who has the respect of everybody".

England head into the Six Nations with a new captain for the second year in a row and Borthwick is tasked with guiding his side to four wins from five by the Rugby Football Union after they lost five consecutive matches in 2024. Borthwick said there is no reason Itoje will not continue in the role until the 2027 World Cup but his own job will come under threat in the event of another lacklustre campaign which begins with daunting fixtures against Ireland in Dublin before France visit Twickenham.