Maro Itoje has spoken publicly for the first time since being rested by England head coach Steve Borthwick, with Jamie George taking over the captaincy for this summer’s Nations Championship.
Rather than expressing disappointment, the Saracens lock described the enforced break as a much-needed “factory reset”, following an exhausting 18 months of rugby in which he captained both England and the British & Irish Lions.
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“Factory reset”
Itoje shared a series of photos on social media showing himself enjoying time away from rugby with his wife, writing:
“Factory reset.”
The post suggests the 31-year-old is making the most of some rare downtime after an incredibly demanding schedule.
Burnout concerns
Steve Borthwick confirmed earlier this week that Itoje had been deliberately rested rather than dropped from the squad.
The England boss has repeatedly spoken about managing the lock’s workload after a gruelling year that included:
- Captaining the British & Irish Lions.
- England’s autumn internationals.
- The 2026 Six Nations.
- More Test minutes than almost any other player in world rugby over the past decade.
- Coping with the death of his mother during the season.
Borthwick believes the break will help ensure Itoje is physically and mentally refreshed ahead of the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Jamie George steps in
With Itoje unavailable, experienced hooker Jamie George has been handed the captaincy for England’s Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
George previously captained England before Itoje succeeded him and was viewed as the ideal stand-in to lead a squad featuring a blend of senior internationals and emerging talent.
Poll
Brian Moore picks his England XV – with Henry Pollock in and 105-cap star out
Moore believes England are now entering the “final runway” before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, warning that Borthwick’s opportunity to experiment is quickly disappearing.
“His time for experimentation is closing, and he must balance taking risks against chasing wins and the confidence that gives a squad.”
Back three
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore has gone for an exciting and attack-minded back three, favouring George Furbank’s creativity over Freddie Steward’s aerial prowess, while keeping faith with Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to provide England’s cutting edge out wide.
On Furbank, he wrote:
“Although Freddie Steward’s solidity under the high ball would be welcome at Ellis Park, Furbank gives more options to unlock the Springboks out wide.”
Freeman also keeps his place, although Moore believes England must soon settle on his long-term position.
“At some point Borthwick is going to have to decide whether Freeman’s ability to make good things happen whenever he is on the ball should be limited to the edge or the centre of England’s back line.”
Meanwhile, Moore wants Feyi-Waboso to become one of England’s biggest attacking weapons.
“He should be encouraged to do more work as ‘wild-card carrier’ around the fringes of the breakdown.”
“His power and pace can unsettle defenders used to covering less dynamic ball-carriers.”
Centres
12. Tom Litchfield
13. Max Ojomoh
England’s midfield remains one of Moore’s biggest concerns. He believes Borthwick must finally settle on a centre partnership, backing Tom Litchfield and Max Ojomoh to be given an extended opportunity after impressive Premiership campaigns.
Moore wrote:
“The main one is the continuing merry-go-round that is the England centre partnership.”
He added:
“To… be only one year out from a World Cup and not have even one nailed-on selection is bewildering.”
On Ojomoh, he said:
“His promise deserves an extended series run.”
Explaining Litchfield’s inclusion, Moore added:
“Litchfield is coming off the back of an excellent club season; why not give him a run when you have Northampton team-mates Furbank, Freeman and Smith there.”
Half-backs
9. Alex Mitchell
10. Fin Smith
Moore has stuck with Northampton’s half-back pairing, believing continuity is crucial as England build towards the World Cup. He also feels Fin Smith should now be given every opportunity to establish himself as England’s long-term fly-half.
On Smith, Moore wrote:
“Unless Borthwick intends George Ford to lead England’s backs in Australia, it is preferable for Fin, and Marcus, Smith to get game time.”
Mitchell also gets the nod at scrum-half.
“Mitchell… has the edge over his clubmate Archie McParland when it comes to international experience.”
Moore added:
“Ben Spencer’s know-how is probably preferable for this specific fixture as cover.”
