England name five uncapped players in Nations Championship squad as Maro Itoje is rested

23 Jun 2026 • 12:02 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

England name five uncapped players in Nations Championship squad as Maro Itoje is rested

  • Jamie George will captain England for their inaugural Nations Championship campaign in July, which includes demanding fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.
  • Maro Itoje has been rested for the summer after a challenging 12 months, including captaining the British and Irish Lions and dealing with the death of his mother.
  • The squad features five uncapped players: teenage wing Noah Caluori, South Africa-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Exeter No 8 Greg Fisilau, and tighthead props George Kloska and Vilikesa Sela.
  • Head coach Steve Borthwick emphasised the squad's mix of experienced players and emerging talent, acknowledging the tournament's challenging environments, extensive travel, and climate changes.
  • Fly-half Fin Smith, who steered Northampton to a Premiership title, revealed he battled a loss of confidence during the season but is now looking forward to the upcoming tour.

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