The latest odds have been released, as to who will be the England captain for the 2024 Six Nations. Head Coach Steve Borthwick has a key decision to make, after it was announced yesterday that Owen Farrell would be stepping away from international duties.
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The Saracen will not be running out in an England jersey next February, as he will be focusing on his mental health and also that of his families. Saracens confirmed the news in a statement, which read that the fly-half will: “take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being.”
With Farrell unavailable for the foreseeable future, Borthwick will have to appoint a new captain for the 2024 Six Nations at the very least. England are also set to tour New Zealand and Japan in the Summer, with Farrell’s contention for those trips as yet unconfirmed. The latest odds as to who will be the next England captain have been announced by BettingSites.co.uk, with loose-head prop Ellis Genge leading the viable contenders.
Latest Odds: England’s Next Captain
Ellis Genge – 5/4 (44.4%)
Maro Itoje – 2/1 (33.3%)
George Ford- 4/1 (20%)
Jamie George – 6/1 (14.29%)
The latest odds for England’s vacant captaincy, sees Ellis Genge as the front-running favourite. Genge has recently worn the England armband, as he led the side out at Twickenham during the 2023 Six Nations. However, this captains contribution came in the infamous 53-10 defeat to France, which stands as the record defeat for England at the home stadium.
Maro Itoje had long been considered a natural leader for club and country, but has yet to assume the role at either Saracens or England. ‘The Pearl’ returned to his very best form during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and is an intriguing suggestion for the captaincy after former captain Courtney Lawes stepped away from the international stage.
In a positional swap, George Ford could take up the captaincy mantle and lead the line from fly-half. Ford has previously been England captain, having first taken the reins in a 2018 exhibition against Japan. This match also marked Ford’s 50th cap, and the Sale man has continued on his fine form, with stunning displays from the boot for club and country.
Another Saracen wraps up the shortlist, as Jamie George is also a viable contender for the captaincy. George understands the responsibility of replacing a captain, as he was called into the England fold to take the torch on from England captain Dylan Hartley.
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Greatest rugby union XV of all-time:
15. Serge Blanco (France)
The French icon’s international career with France saw the flamboyant fullback perform various outlandish levels of skill while winning Five Nation Grand Slams in 1981 and 1987 as well as four further titles.
Blanco was a threat from everywhere on the field and often took risks that we very rarely see nowadays. In total, he won 93 caps for France during his 11-year international career between 1980 and 1991, which was a record when he retired.
He also scored an imposing 233 points and is a true legend of the sport.
Did you know: Images of Blanco’s on-field heroics can always be viewed ironically alongside images of him strutting along the touchline nursing a cigarette.
Honourable mentions: JPR Williams (Wales), Jason Robinson (England), Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
14. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The New Zealander remains the joint all-time top try scorer at the Rugby World Cup along with Bryan Habana, crossing the whitewash on 15 different occasions across the 1995 and 1999 tournaments.
The easiest selection in a greatest ever XV.
Originally of Tongan descent, it was Lomu who made it glamorous to be a big, bruising winger, even though his stature could have easily seen him fill in at centre or somewhere in the pack.
Much like the Juggernaut of the Marvel Universe, there wasn’t much that could stop Lomu once he’d gotten into a stride.
Did you know: In September 2009, Lomu took part in an amateur bodybuilding contest, finishing second in two categories
Honourable mentions: Bryan Habana (South Africa), Doug Howlett (New Zealand), Shane Williams (Wales)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
The former Ireland and British and Irish Lions Skipper Brian O’Driscoll was one of the most consistent performers in the world for over a decade.
He hung up his boots in 2014 after accumulating 133 caps for Ireland with a fantastic return of 245 points. In the emerald green, he triumphed in the Six Nations in 2009 (Grand Slam) and 2014 as well as being chosen as Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
The Dublin-born is also the highest all-time Irish record try scorer with an incredible 46 scores, and also led his country more times than any other player.
Did you know: O’Driscoll was chosen as Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 RBS Six Nations Championships.
Honourable mentions: Jeremy Guscott (England), Will Greenwood (England), Frank Bunce (New Zealand)