England Six Nations 2024 Squad announced – Jamie George to captain of side
Coach Steve Borthwick has named seven uncapped players in his 36-player squad for the 2024 Six Nations, including Jamie George as captain.
The Saracens hooker will replace Owen Farrell, who has stepped back from international rugby to focus on his mental wellbeing. England start their campaign in Italy on Saturday, 3 February.
George has long been a member of the senior leadership group and has been picked ahead of Bristol prop Ellis Genge and Sale fly-half George Ford.
No. 8 Billy Vunipola and prop Kyle Sinckler do not have a place in the squad.
Exeter’s Wales-born winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso receives his first England call-up, while fellow Chiefs player Henry Slade is recalled following his surprise omission from last autumn’s World Cup.
Uncapped players such as Northampton’s former England under-20 captain Fraser Dingwall, Harlequins’ Oscar Beard, and Sale’s Tom Roebuck will challenge him in the centres.
Ethan Roots, an Exeter flanker who previously played for the Maori All Blacks, Northampton fly-half Fin Smith, and Quins forward Chandler Cunningham-South are also called up.
Due to Farrell’s absence and Courtney Lawes’ retirement from international rugby, Borthwick has had to assemble a new squad. In addition to injuries to key players such as Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry and Tom Willis, Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell are ineligible since they moved to France.
“When I asked Jamie to be captain for this forthcoming series, I could sense his excitement and pride at being asked to lead his country. I am delighted that he has accepted the role,” said Borthwick after picking George as his new skipper.
“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years now. With 85 England caps to his name, he is a quietly influential character who has an excellent tactical understanding and who sets high standards, whilst building strong relationships with the people around him.”
George says he was asked by Borthwick to take on the captaincy last week, a role he has taken on with “huge gratitude and enthusiasm”.
“I am so excited about where this team can go and bringing the fans on that journey with us is something that I care about deeply.
“I believe I’m at the stage of my career where I can give my all to the captaincy and give my best on the pitch.
“I don’t underestimate the challenge ahead. Owen is a fantastic motivator and tactician, and we will undoubtedly miss his leadership. But I have got brilliant people around me, many of whom have won major tournaments, and utilising the great experience we have within the group is going to be crucial.
“The squad is in a great place to build off some really strong performances at the Rugby World Cup and I look forward to getting started and welcoming some new faces to camp.”
ENGLAND SIX NATIONS SQUAD:
Forwards:
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins*), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens) – captain, Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs*), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).
Backs:
Oscar Beard (Harlequins*), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints*), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs*), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks*), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints*), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers).
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