England captain Maro Itoje was also sent home early from the recent England training camp, with head coach Steve Borthwick yet to decide whether the lock will feature in the Nations Championship clashes against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
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Borthwick has already suggested some senior players could be rested, and former England scrum-half Ben Youngs believes there is no better opportunity to give Itoje a break following a demanding run with Saracens, England and the British & Irish Lions.
Speaking on the For the Love of Rugby podcast, Youngs argued that resting Itoje would not only benefit the England skipper but also create opportunities for other players to step up.
“You think about the Lions tour and the load that he’s had not only as an England player but also as a Saracen and a Lion,” said Youngs.
“There’ll be a lot of, ‘Oh, you’re losing that experience,’ but one thing it gives other people is an opportunity.
“You’ve got George Martin who’s now fit again and Ollie Chessum, who is doing a great job captaining Leicester Tigers. We’re not far out from a World Cup and if you’re going to rest Maro, this is probably the only window that you can do.”
Former England and Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw agreed, highlighting the added demands that come with leadership.
“I think the other thing people don’t take into account is Maro hasn’t only played for these teams; he has captained them,” Robshaw said.
“He’s always had to be front and centre. Whether that be Lions or England, unfortunately he had the loss of his mother, which would have taken a lot out of him. Then he goes straight back to Saracens.
“When you’re a captain and one of the senior players, coaches expect you to lead from the front straight away. You’ve got to be the energy, and it does drain you.”
Robshaw suggested the decision to rest Itoje may ultimately need to be taken out of the player’s hands as England build towards the Rugby World Cup.
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England Get Easy Route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final After Draw Confirmed
Steve Borthwick’s side appear to have landed on the more favourable half of the draw, raising hopes of another deep run on the sport’s biggest stage.
From the pool phase to a possible final in Australia, here is England’s projected route through the tournament — and the major rivals who could stand in their way.
Pool Stage
England have been drawn with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool F at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Although Wales are likely to strengthen by then, Steve Borthwick’s team will still be firm favourites to top the pool and advance to the round of 16 without major difficulty.
Round of 16
If England top their group, they will meet the Pool B runners-up in the round of 16. Pool B features South Africa, Italy, Georgia and Romania. The Springboks are expected to win the pool, meaning England would avoid the reigning back-to-back world champions, and the remaining teams are unlikely to pose a major threat.
Italy are the most probable candidates for second place. Although they are an improving side and far from a guaranteed victory, England should still be confident of beating them.
