Steve Borthwick, the England coach, has announced Maro Itoje as the new captain, replacing Jamie George after one season. The decision was influenced by England's recent performance in the final quarter of games, and Borthwick's preference for a captain present for the full match.
Steve Borthwick, the England coach, has confirmed that Jamie George will no longer be the captain of the national rugby team after just one season in the role. Borthwick acknowledged that George was understandably disappointed by the decision, but emphasized his understanding and respect for the team's needs. Borthwick highlighted that George consistently prioritized the team's success, a quality highly valued within the squad.
The change in captaincy comes after a period of scrutiny surrounding England's performance in the latter stages of matches. Borthwick pointed out that George, like other front-row players, often exited the field early in the second half, a factor that influenced his decision. He expressed a preference for a captain who remains on the field for the entirety of the match, emphasizing the importance of leadership and consistency throughout a game.Maro Itoje, George's teammate at Saracens, has been appointed as the new captain for the upcoming Six Nations. Borthwick praised Itoje's remarkable record of playing time, having started an impressive 84-86 games with only two substitutions. He believes Itoje's experience and presence on the field will be invaluable to the team. Other notable selections include Henry Pollock, a promising young flanker from Northampton, who impressed in the England under-20s and is considered a future star. Dan Cole, a veteran prop with 118 caps, was left out of the squad, but Borthwick reassured that Cole remains a valuable asset and could be called upon if needed. Overall, Borthwick emphasized the importance of continuity within the squad, retaining 32 players from the autumn internationals or those who would have been considered for selection if not injured. He believes this continuity will be crucial for England to develop their desired attacking style of play. Borthwick acknowledged the need to learn from the success of Ireland, noting their consistent performance and cohesiveness built from years of playing together
ENGLAND RUGBY SIX NATIONS MARO ITOJE JAMIE GEORGE CAPTAINCY STEVE BORTHWICK
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