Maro Itoje Returns to England Squad for Autumn Nations Championship
Quick Look
- Maro Itoje returns to the England rugby squad after being named in a 36-man training squad for the autumn Nations Championship matches.
- The 31-year-old lock, who missed the summer tour due to personal reasons, is expected to reclaim the captaincy from Jamie George for the upcoming matches against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Maro Itoje missed England's summer tour matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, taking a break in Mauritius and Nigeria. His mother passed away shortly before he led England through a disappointing Six Nations campaign with only one win.
Second row Maro Itoje returns to the England set-up after being named in a 36-man training squad for this autumn's Nations Championship matches.
Itoje missed matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, taking holidays in Mauritius and Nigeria in his first proper summer break from rugby in more than a decade.
The 31-year-old, whose mother died shortly before he led England through a deflating Six Nations campaign that featured only one win, has said he has felt the benefits of his time away.
Steve Borthwick's players meet up on Sunday for the first time since their summer tour.
Saracens' Itoje is expected to reclaim the captaincy from Jamie George when England play Australia on 8 November.
They face Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November.
Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant, who are available for England again after returning from Brive and Stade Francais respectively, have not been included.
George has a groin injury and Ollie Chessum a foot problem, but both will join up with the squad.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Maro Itoje will reclaim the captaincy from Jamie George for the match against Australia on 8 November.
Likely · Within days
England will play Australia on 8 November, Japan on 14 November, and New Zealand on 21 November in the autumn Nations Championship.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Maro Itoje be named captain for the autumn matches?
- How will Itoje's time away impact his performance on the field?
- What is the exact nature of Jamie George's groin injury and Ollie Chessum's foot problem?
