Steve Borthwick, the head coach of England, has stated that no decisions have been finalized for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Currently, there are three potential candidates who could captain the team during the tournament.
#1. Owen Farrell
The current skipper, he'd be the heavy favourite to retain the role for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The son of rugby league great and former England centre Andy, Owen has been England captain since 2019 where his leads with his game management and goal-kicking as an option at either fly half or centre.
He began playing rugby league aged eight for Wigan St Patricks, like his father. It took Owen little time to impress, becoming the then-youngest player to appear in English professional rugby union aged 17 years and 11 days when turning out for Saracens in 2008.
He had made powerful impressions for England U16, U17, U18 and U20 teams. Farrell made his full senior debut against Scotland in Murrayfield on 4 February 2012. His maiden try came against Australia on 2 November 2013.
Farrell deputised for captain Dylan Hartley in 2017 and 2018 before being confirmed as captain for the Guinness Six Nations in 2019 and led England to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan later that year.
He has featured in three British and Irish Lions tours, and earned his 100th England appearance in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
A dejected Owen Farrell of England applauds in the direction of the England supporters at full-time following the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
#2. Ellis Genge
Will be itching to lead England again following his disastrous first game as skipper against France during the 2023 Six Nations.
One of the most dynamic props in England, Bristol-born Genge made his debut for his country as a replacement in a 27-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in 2016.
Three days earlier, Ellis had agreed a move to Leicester Tigers, where he had been on loan from Bristol for the final months of the 2016/17 season. Ellis was included in the squad for England’s 2016 touring party to Australia and won the 2016/17 Land Rover Discovery of the Year award.
A former No 8, the ex-Old Redcliffians’ player, was educated at John Cabot City Technology College and led Hartpury College to two AASE Championship titles. Ellis represented England U17, U18 and U19 before figuring in eight matches for the U20 side in 2015, including the World Rugby Championship final against New Zealand.
Ellis was a regular member of England squads under Eddie Jones and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Ellis Genge of England on the break during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#3. Courtney Lawes
Lawes stormed onto the international scene and within two years of making his debut in 2009, he had clinched the Investec Man of the Series and represented England at the Rugby World Cup.Courtney was born in Hackney but raised only a punt away from Franklin's Gardens, the home of the Northampton Saints, and earned his first international cap against Australia in November 2009.
He appeared in three Rugby World Cup matches in 2011, was part of the squad that featured in home World Cup four years later as well as helping England reach the final in 2019. In November 2016, he scored his maiden try for England with impeccable timing when celebrating his 50th cap in 37-21 victory over South Africa.
A selection for the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand followed in June 2017 where he came off the bench in the second Test victory and third Test draw.
Lawes was named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.Follow Courtney Lawes.
Courtney Lawes of England during the Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on 19 June 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
