Itoje, 30, has replaced Jamie George as captain heading into this year's Six Nations Championship. Itoje was also named Saracens skipper ahead of this season, and said his leadership approach is to combine leading and serving. "I want to serve the squad, serve the country, serve the staff, serve the fans in the role," Itoje said.

Maro Itoje is demanding that his England team work harder than ever before in a bid to arrest the side’s poor run of form, with the new captain vowing to lead from the front.

England captain Maro Itoje believes a rash of injuries can provide a launchpad for new players to make their international

Appointed England captain ahead of a vital Six Nations, Itoje looks set to lead Steve Borthwick’s side through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup

It was while sitting in Steve Borthwick’s office at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot last June that Maro Itoje convinced the head coach that he was a future England captain.

Maro Itoje has taken over from Jamie George as England’s captain ahead of this year’s Six Nations. George, 34, had been serving as Steve Borthwick’s skipper following Owen Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby in late 2023.

Maro Itoje is promoted to England captain for the Six Nations, replacing Saracens team-mate Jamie George in the role.

The 30-year-old's first game as skipper will come in the tournament's opener, where England kick-off against defending champions Ireland. | ITV National News