England captain Maro Itoje to be stood down by Steve Borthwick

Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 13:32

bySteven Smith

Maro Itoje could be handed a much-needed summer break after a relentless 2025 in which the England captain has had little opportunity to catch his breath — or spend quality time with his wife.

According to The Telegraph, Steve Borthwick is considering resting Itoje for some or all of England’s Nations Championship fixtures this summer.

The demanding schedule sees England travel to South Africa, host Fiji and then fly to Argentina, a gruelling itinerary involving around 25,000 miles across three continents.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community

Workload and injury concerns behind the decision

Borthwick will announce an extended training squad on Monday, with Itoje expected to be included in the initial camp even if he is ultimately rested for one or more of the matches.

The move is being considered as part of England’s player welfare strategy. In each of the last two seasons, Itoje has exceeded the Rugby Football Union’s recommended workload by playing more than 30 matches.

This season alone, the 31-year-old second row has featured 20 times for club and country despite dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered on the British & Irish Lions tour and an ongoing knee issue.

One of England’s most decorated forwards

Widely regarded as one of the finest locks of his generation, Itoje has won multiple Premiership Rugby titles and European Cups with Saracens and has been a central figure for England for nearly a decade.

Any decision to rest Itoje would not impact his status as England captain heading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Who could lead England in his absence?

In Itoje’s absence, potential stand-in captains include Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Ollie Chessum.

England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)

England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:

South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026
Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026
Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026

This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.

Full Predicted England Squad

Props

Ellis Genge
Mako Vunipola
Fin Baxter
Joe Heyes
Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Afolabi Fasogbon

Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.

Hookers

Jamie George
Kepu Tuipulotu
Tom Dunn

Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.

Second Row

Courtney Lawes
Ollie Chessum
Charlie Ewels
Alex Coles

Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.

Back Row

Guy Pepper
Henry Pollock
Chandler Cunningham-South
Ben Earl
Tom Curry
Greg Fisilau

Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.

Scrum-Halves

Alex Mitchell
Jack van Poortvliet
Archie McParland

Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.

Fly-Halves

Fin Smith
Marcus Smith
George Ford

Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.

Centres

Ollie Lawrence
Max Ojomoh
Joe Marchant
Seb Atkinson

Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.

Back Three

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Henry Arundell
Adam Radwan
George Furbank
Tommy Freeman
Tom Roebuck
Freddie Steward

Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.

Predicted England XV

Starting XV

Ellis Genge
Jamie George
Joe Heyes
Maro Itoje
Ollie Chessum
Courtney Lawes
Tom Curry
Ben Earl
Alex Mitchell
Fin Smith
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Ollie Lawrence
Joe Marchant
Tommy Freeman
George Furbank

You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.