"Itoje missed the start of England's training camp in Girona to attend his mother's funeral in Nigeria and Steve Borthwick has opted to name the second row among the replacements. Itoje has a remarkable record of appearing in every minute of England's matches for the last six Six Nations campaigns but Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum assume second-row duties against Wales."
"George attended the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh last week in Itoje's absence and will lead England on Saturday on his own for the first time since the autumn of 2024, having shared the role with George Ford on last summer's tour of Argentina. The last time Itoje was named among the replacements was against Fiji last autumn when Ellis Genge took the responsibility."
Jamie George will captain England against Wales in the Six Nations opener on Saturday, with Maro Itoje named among the replacements and Henry Arundell selected to start at left wing. Itoje missed the start of England's training camp in Girona to attend his mother's funeral in Nigeria. Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum start in the second row. George leads the side on his own for the first time since autumn 2024. Ellis Genge and George Ford are named vice-captains. Itoje will assume the captaincy when he enters the field. Arundell returns for his first start since the 2023 World Cup bronze match and has eight tries in 11 England appearances.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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