Maro Itoje Set to Make Rare Six Nations Bench appearance for England vs Wales

Itoje’s Seven-Year Streak Comes to an End

For the first time in almost seven years, England will take the field in the Six Nations without Maro Itoje leading the charge from the start. The 31-year-old, who has been an ever-present in the tournament since 2020, has been named on the bench for their opening game against Wales on Saturday.

“It’s been difficult, to be honest.” – Maro Itoje

Itoje’s absence is due to personal reasons. He missed the start of England’s preparations to attend his mother Florence’s funeral in Nigeria. “It’s been challenging on both the professional and personal front. It’s just the paradox of life,” Itoje told the Sunday Times.

George to Captain, Coles and Chessum Partner in the Second Row

Hooker Jamie George will captain England in Itoje’s absence, with the Saracens duo set to swap roles mid-game. Meanwhile, Alex Coles partners Ollie Chessum in the second row, with Itoje expected to make a significant impact when he comes on.

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“We all feel for Maro and his family… I think he is going to have a massive impact.” – Steve Borthwick, England coach

England to Rally Around Itoje

George, who lost his mother during England’s 2024 Six Nations campaign, has promised that the squad will rally around Itoje on his return to the setup. “We’ll be there to support him, as any teammate would,” George said.

Key Facts:

• Itoje has played all 80 minutes in 30 successive Six Nations matches since 2020.
• This will be Itoje’s second time starting from the bench for England, the first being in a 2022 autumn international against Fiji.
• The last time England played a Six Nations match without Itoje was in 2016 against Italy.

Did you know?

What’s Next?

England kicks off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday, February 4. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:45 PM GMT.