Steve Borthwick: England captain Maro Itoje is world class but can improve during the Six Nations | Rugby Union News - ORSOLTECH

New England captain Maro Itoje is “world class” but can get “even better” according to head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of the start of the 2025 Six Nations.

The 30-year-old Saracens lock was announced as team-mate Jamie George's replacement for the national team captaincy earlier this month, and will captain England when they open their Championship campaign away to holders Ireland on Saturday 1 February.

talking to Sky Sports At the Six Nations launch on Tuesday, Borthwick said:

“Maro is a world-class player, but he can improve and add other elements to his game.

“He is a player who thinks deeply about the game, but also plays in a fiercely competitive way. This balance is a great example for all of our players.”

“In every great team I have been involved in, there is always a great group of leaders. With Maru, and Ellis Genji as vice-captain, we are developing great leaders.

“My expectations, the players’ expectations and the fans’ expectations are that we go into every game with a plan to win the game and belief to win the game.

“We have a really good group of players that I trust, that I trust.”

Itoje: The captain's decision surprised me

Former England coach Etoye has described Eddie Jones as “too closed-minded” to be named captain during his time in charge.

The second row admits Borthwick's call surprised him, and added that the loss of George – who has since suffered a hamstring injury and has been ruled out of England's opening match against Ireland – will be felt by the team.

“I was definitely surprised,” Itoje said. Sky Sports. “Jimmy is a great guy so I didn't really expect that.

“I am deeply honored, grateful and humbled to be asked to play this role.

“Jimmy is a quality player and person, so when you don't have someone like that in and around the group, we will certainly miss him and wish him a speedy recovery.”