Jamie George will lead England into the Nations Championship games in July, after being appointed as Test captain once more.<\/p>\n
The experienced hooker takes over the role from Maro Itoje, who will be rested this summer.<\/p>\n
England head coach Steve Borthwick had previously said there were \u2018ongoing conversations\u2019 over Itoje\u2019s involvement in July, but after George Martin, Ollie Chessum, Charlie Ewels and Alex Coles all came through this weekend\u2019s respective England XV and Northampton Saints fixtures unscathed, he has opted to rest his skipper.<\/p>\n
It is understood that this will not affect his captaincy post-July, with Itoje expected to retain the duties for November\u2019s Nations Championship Tests, as well as next year\u2019s Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
Jamie George to captain England during Nations Championship<\/p>\n
George is no stranger to the captaincy role, serving as full-time skipper back in 2024 and later acting as joint-captain alongside George Ford for their tour of the Americas last year, before joining up with the British and Irish Lions, and once again takes over the position for the summer.<\/p>\n
France XV v England XV: Five takeaways as Benhard Janse van Rensburg blows \u2018golden chance\u2019 as \u2018error strewn\u2019 visitors give Steve Borthwick food for thought<\/a><\/p>\n Elsewhere, Borthwick<\/a> has also named five uncapped players in his extended 36-man group in the form of Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, Greg Fisilau, George Kloska and Vilikesa Sela. All five have previously been involved with the senior squad, with Janse van Rensburg, Caluori, Kloska and Sela featuring in the recent England XV fixture against France XV.<\/p>\n PREM Rugby finalists Fisilau, Henry Slade, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Pollock, Tommy Freeman, Coles, George Furbank and Alex Mitchell also come into the group following the end of their domestic duties, but Archie McParland does not feature after suffering a deep cut to his knee in Northampton\u2019s 26-17 win on Saturday.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n Guy Pepper, Ellis Genge, Arthur Clark and Luke Cowan-Dickie have also been included in the wider group, after previously coming into camp for rehabilitation, while Ben Spencer returns to the squad.<\/p>\n Commenting on his squad, Borthwick said: \u201cWe\u2019ve selected a squad with a good blend of experience and emerging talent.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Nations Championship presents an exciting challenge for this group. We will face strong opposition in demanding environments, with extensive travel, and changes in climate all testing the squad throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n England XV player ratings: Cadan Murley \u2018pushes his case\u2019 for Springboks Test as Noah Caluori \u2018not out of place\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI am sure by preparing well and continuing to demand the highest standards from one another every day, we will be well placed to meet the challenge of a very demanding summer schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n