Maro Itoje named new England captain ahead of Six Nations as squad revealed

In January 2025, England rugby union player Maro Itoje was named the new captain of the national team ahead of the upcoming Six Nations tournament. Itoje, who plays club rugby for Saracens, assumes the leadership role from his teammate Jamie George, who had captained the side for all of the previous 12 Tests. This change comes during a crucial period for England's rugby team as they seek to improve their performance after a disappointing 2024 season, where they managed to win only five out of twelve matches. The announcement was made by head coach Steve Borthwick, who recognized Itoje's leadership experience and rapport with the squad as key factors in his selection. Itoje, at 30 years old and with 88 international caps, expressed his humility and honor in taking on the captaincy. He will benefit from the support of vice-captains Jamie George and Ellis Genge in his role. The selection of Itoje is seen as a bold move by Borthwick, intended to rejuvenate the team's morale and approach as they prepare to face Ireland on February 1. Meanwhile, several prominent players, including veteran prop Dan Cole and others due to injury, were not selected for this tournament, further indicating a shift in team dynamics. The squad also features some uncapped players, reflecting a potential strategy to cultivate fresh talent. The team anticipates a challenging yet exciting campaign as they aim to build on their past experiences and regain success in international matches.