Yahoo Sports Six Nations LIVE: England make massive captaincy call as Steve Borthwick’s squad revealed
England have made made a huge captaincy call ahead of a a crucial Six Nations with head coach Steve Borthwick appointing Maro Itoje as captain. The Saracens lock, long one of his nation’s most consistent performers, takes the role from club colleague Jamie George to begin a new era for the side.
After a disappointing autumn to conclude an up-and-down 2024, Borthwick is a man under pressure as he prepares to take charge of his third Six Nations campaign. It’s a demanding start for England, too, with Ireland in Dublin on the opening weekend followed by France back on home soil a week later to open the tournament. A 36-man squad has been named today with standout Premiership performers including Tom Willis of Saracens earning inclusion.
While a relatively settled squad is , flanker Sam Underhill and wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso both miss out after suffering injuries. Full-back George Furbank is working his way back to fitness after a fractured arm and is also omitted, while Dan Cole’s international career appears at an end after the veteran tighthead’s dropping. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have tasked Borthwick with achieving at least four wins in a vital campaign.
Follow all of the latest from Borthwick’s squad unveiling in our live blog below:
England unveil Six Nations squad - LIVE
England have confirmed a 36-player squad for the Six Nations
Maro Itoje is appointed captain in a massive call from Steve Borthwick
Borthwick and his side face a crucial campaign after a disappointing autumn
Sam Underhill, George Furbank and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso miss out due to injury
Saracens number eight Tom Willis earns inclusion after strong season
Six Nations fixtures
13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
ROUND ONE (all times GMT)
France v Wales, Friday 31 January - (8.15pm) - Live on ITV
Scotland v Italy, Saturday 1 February - (2:15pm) - Live on BBC
Ireland v England, Saturday 1 February - (4:45pm) - Live on ITV
ROUND TWO
Italy v Wales, Saturday 8 February - (2:15pm) - Live on ITV
England v France, Saturday 8 February - (4:45pm) - Live on ITV
Scotland v Ireland, Sunday 9 February - (3pm) - Live on BBC
ROUND THREE
Wales v Ireland, Saturday 22 February - (2:15pm) - Live on BBC
England v Scotland, Saturday 22 February - (4:45pm) - Live on ITV
Italy v France, Sunday 23 February - (3pm) - Live on ITV
ROUND FOUR
Ireland v France, Saturday 8 March - (2:15pm) - Live on ITV
Scotland v Wales, Saturday 8 March - (4:45pm) - Live on BBC
England v Italy, Sunday 9 March - (3pm) - Live on ITV
ROUND FIVE
Italy v Ireland, Saturday 15 March - (2:15pm) - Live on ITV
Wales v England, Saturday 15 March - (4:45pm) - Live on BBC
France v Scotland, Saturday 15 March - (8pm) - Live on ITV
England’s Six Nations squad by position
12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Centre: Oscar Beard, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade
Back three: Elliot Daly, Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck, Ollie Sleightholme, Freddie Steward.
England’s Six Nations squad by position
12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scrum half: Alex Mitchell, Harry Randall, Jack van Poortvliet
Fly half: George Ford, Marcus Smith, Fin Smith
England’s Six Nations squad by position
12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lock: Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum
Back Row: Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ted Hill, Tom Willis
England’s Six Nations squad by position
12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Loosehead prop: Fin Baxter, Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd
Hooker: Jamie George, Theo Dan, Luke Cowan-Dickie
Tighthead prop: Will Stuart, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Joe Heyes
Maro Itoje on the Lions, leadership and politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ahead of the autumn, I sat down with the new England captain out in Girona to chat the Lions, leadership and politics:
Maro Itoje on politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
Steve Borthwick on his squad
12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
"I’ve selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group," said Borthwick.
“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."
England’s list of injury absentees
11:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some intriguing names among the list of players released by England as rehabilitating, including uncapped pair Afolabi Fasogbon, who has been tearing up trees at tighthead for Gloucester, and Gabriel Ibitoye, such a captivating performer on the wing for Bristol.
More significant, though, is the absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank and Sam Underhill - the trio all would likely have started England’s opener against Ireland in Dublin.
Rehabilitation: Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).
Steve Borthwick explains why Maro Itoje has been named England captain
11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“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."
Maro Itoje reacts to being named England captain
11:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“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.
“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.”
England squad named for Six Nations
11:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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)
England squad for Six Nations revealed
11:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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)
Maro Itoje appointed England captain ahead of Six Nations
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Maro Itoje has been appointed England captain ahead of the Six Nations as Steve Borthwick makes a bold decision ahead of a vital tournament.
Itoje assumes the role of skipper from Saracens teammate Jamie George, who took the reins after the 2023 World Cup.
Long considered a future captain of his country even amid significant debate over his leadership qualities, the lock’s appointment comes months after he was named captain of his club after the departure of Owen Farrell.
The 30-year-old will be supported by George and Ellis Genge as vice captains as England look to bounce back from a disappointing autumn which saw them win just one of four games.
While Itoje has never led an England side on to the pitch, he has regularly taken over the on-field captaincy after George’s substitution over the last 12 months. He has won 88 England caps, and played in six Tests for the British & Irish Lions.
Squad on the way...
11:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just five minutes now until Steve Borthwick confirms his squad. Brace yourselves...
Joe Marler reveals new role with England after retirement
11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Joe Marler will not be included today after his retirement from international rugby during the autumn, which was quickly followed by the prop bowing out of Harlequins colours. But the 34-year-old does have an important new role, he revealed this week, with the former loosehead appointed to lead on player welfare discussions between the RFU, clubs and players.
Marler was a key part of the breakaway Team England Rugby (TER) group formed last year after the England squad split with the Rugby Players Association (RPA), and will now lead discussions with the Premiership clubs over the welfare of national team players.
“The boys needed to be looked after for a long period of time,” Marler said on the For the Love of Rugby podcast. “We weren’t looked after with our previous representation. So we went, right, we’re setting this Team England Rugby up. We’re moving away from the previous representation. And we are going to take control of it.
“We predicted that there would have to be so many exemptions from the start, especially for the top players who are playing for England and are consistently getting into the playoff positions with their clubs, whether it’s in Europe or the Prem. They’re definitely going to go over the limit. Can we stop them playing pre-season games? Give them a longer rest? Stop them being involved in the first two or three [Premiership games]?
“It sounds posh and official, but it’s basically having the backs of the England rugby team, doing a lot of the admin work, conversations between DoRs, clubs and RFU to make sure they feel supported in decisions around operations, welfare if there are injuries, that they’re being consulted on things and it’s been done in the right way.”
Ben Earl: ‘It is time for England to start delivering some results’
11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ben Earl has admitted that it is time for England to start delivering results after a frustrating 2024 that included just five wins.
Steve Borthwick’s side lost seven of their 12 games across the calendar year, with a series of close defeats in a five-match losing streak leaving them to rue their missed opportunities.
Included within that run were final-minute losses to New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham as George Ford’s missed drop goal and Maro Itoje’s spilled restart proved costly.
Earl, who started every game last year at number eight, is nonetheless encouraged by the progress England are making.
But the 26-year-old admits that positive performances only count for so much if wins do not follow.
Ben Earl: ‘It is time for England to start delivering some results’
How does back three selection shake out?
10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
With Immanuel Feyi-Waboso set to undergo shoulder surgery, and George Furbank a doubt after fracturing his arm, Steve Borthwick has plenty to consider in the back three. Bath’s Will Muir and Gabriel Ibitoye, two potential call ups, have also been dealing with recent injuries, muddying the picture somewhat.
Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck, Ollie Sleightholme and Freddie Steward feel nailed on, while Elliot Daly’s versatility may count in his favour. Will there be a wildcard or two?
England mull captaincy change
10:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Some interesting chatter emerging this morning of Steve Borthwick mulling a captaincy change. The Daily Mail report that Maro Itoje could be appointed skipper in Jamie George’s stead - it would be a bold call ahead of a vital tournament...
Could Tom Willis be set for England return after eye-catching form?
10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tom Willis appears set for inclusion in Steve Borthwick’s squad this morning after a brilliant season so far at number eight for Saracens. Capped ahead of the 2023 World Cup, Willis featured for England A during the autumn but looks likely to return to the full set-up to bolster Borthwick’s options at the base of the scrum.
“I can’t remember a match this year where he [Willis] hasn’t been outstanding.” Saracens coach Mark McCall said recently. “He just needs to keep on doing what he’s doing. If he keeps putting in performances like this, I think he will get rewarded in the end [by England].
“He leads by example: by getting over the gain line, by breaking tackles and making tackles – all the things that you want your number eight to be able to do. He has been a focal point [for the team] all year.
“He’s very curious and he wants to get better. He wants to be playing for England and he’s willing to do anything that he has to, to make that happen. He’s a great guy to have around the team.”
England face Six Nations blow as flanker Sam Underhill needs ankle surgery
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England flanker Sam Underhill is unlikely to play any part in the Six Nations after his club Bath revealed he requires an ankle operation.
Underhill sustained the injury when coming on as a replacement in last Sunday’s 35-34 defeat by Northampton and with no date given for his return, he looks set to miss the entire championship.
“Sam will undergo surgery to rectify a new ankle injury. There is no set timeframe on his recovery,” a Bath medical update said.
England face Six Nations blow as flanker Sam Underhill needs ankle surgery
Warren Gatland challenges Dan Edwards to stake claim for Wales fly-half role
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
With neither Sam Costelow or Gareth Anscombe involved, opportunity abounds for Ospreys ten Dan Edwards, who has been going very well in the United Rugby Championship and will now look to step up to international level.
Warren Gatland challenges Dan Edwards to stake claim for Wales fly-half role
The strange selection decision that shows Wales’ muddled thinking ahead of the Six Nations
09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Even with Costelow absent, there is no place for Gareth Anscombe in Warren Gatland’s 34-man squad, a strange decision that reflects the muddled thinking that has been common during their 12-Test losing run:
The strange selection that shows Wales’ muddled thinking ahead of Six Nations
Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau return to Wales squad for Six Nations but Warren Gatland dealt injury blow
09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wales confirmed their squad for the Six Nations yesterday, with Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau two pretty significant returnees. There will be no Sam Costelow, though - the Scarlets fly half will miss the tournament due to injury.
Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau return to Wales squad for Six Nations
RFU to hold special general meeting after Six Nations over Bill Sweeney future
09:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Rugby Football Union has agreed to hold a special general meeting after the Six Nations when chief executive Bill Sweeney will face calls for his removal.
A day after rejecting a letter from a grassroots revolt calling for a vote of no confidence in Sweeney on the grounds of bureaucratic technicalities, the RFU performed a U-turn on Friday and the SGM will now take place in March or April.
Infuriated by the executives pay and bonus scandal that came to light in November, as well as other grievances, a formal letter featuring the signatories of 141 RFU member clubs and referees societies was submitted on Thursday.
RFU to hold special general meeting after Six Nations over Bill Sweeney future
Former RFU remuneration chief defends Bill Sweeney’s bonus payments after record loss
09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Genevieve Shore was the chair of the remuneration committee that agreed to the bonuses back in 2021 as part of a Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). I spoke to her last week in her new role as executive chair of Premiership Women’s Rugby:
Former RFU remuneration chief defends Bill Sweeney’s bonus amid record loss
The tone deaf decision that has plunged England’s Rugby Football Union into crisis
08:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Things have rather erupted in English rugby union since the end of that campaign, lifting the scrutiny off Steve Borthwick and on to the hierarchy in the backrooms at Twickenham. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney remains under severe pressure after a tone deaf decision to accept a huge bonus at the end of a year that saw record losses for the union.
The tone deaf decision that has plunged England’s Rugby Football Union into crisis
What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five questions Steve Borthwick must answer
08:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A record of just five wins from 12 games in 2024 reflected a year of missed chances for England. From Lyon in the spring to Auckland in the summer right through to three defeats in November, Steve Borthwick’s side repeatedly put themselves in winning positions this year yet, come the crunch, failed or faltered.
After a third-place finish at last year’s World Cup, the team has undergone a relatively significant regeneration. Nine new caps have made their international debuts, while other relatively inexperienced individuals like Tommy Freeman and George Furbank were given new prominence within the set-up.
While their final-quarter collapses have undermined much of the progress made, Borthwick is confident he has the pieces in place to build a winning team. The head coach has regularly cited the youthful age profile of his squad while retaining a senior leadership group he has full faith in. He is confident that the upheaval caused by the shock departures of defence coach Felix Jones and strength and conditioning guru Aled Walters will not be repeated.
But the start of the Six Nations is highly demanding: a trip to Ireland on the opening weekend is followed by a first home clash with France since a record defeat at Twickenham in 2023. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have set an ambitious ask of four wins from five in the spring campaign, something England have not achieved since the 2020 edition.
After the Autumn Nations Series, we looked at five key questions that Borthwick must address to set England up for success.
What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five key questions to answer
England announce Six Nations squad - LIVE
Monday 13 January 2025 12:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A very good morning and welcome along to LIVE coverage as England prepare to announce their squad for the upcoming Six Nations. Steve Borthwick has plenty to consider ahead of a crucial campaign, and will confirm his selection at 11.30am GMT with little more than a fortnight until his side kick off their tournament against Ireland.
