Saracens hooker Jamie George will lead England in the 2024 Six Nations after being named their new captain.
The front-rower replaces Owen Farrell in the role, with the fly-half making himself unavailable for the upcoming tournament.
has stepped back from Test rugby to protect his and his family’s mental wellbeing, and has also been linked with a move to Racing 92 ahead of next season.
“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,” head coach
said.
“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years now. With 85 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.
“This, together with his previous experiences of captaining Saracens and The British & Irish Lions, leave him well-placed to lead the team.”
George added: “Last week Steve asked me to be captain for the upcoming and I accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm.
“I love playing rugby for England. I hope that everyone has seen how much it means to me, I have never shied away from that.
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.
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Among the 36-man squad are several new players, including Exeter Chiefs’ rising star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
The wing was eligible for both England and Wales, but chose the former after being included in an alignment camp last week.
Feyi-Waboso is joined in the squad by fellow Chiefs player Ethan Roots, with the New Zealand-born back-row enjoying a fine start to the season.
Youngsters Chandler Cunningham-South, Oscar Beard, Fraser Dingwall, Tom Roebuck and Fin Smith are the other uncapped players in the squad.
“Building on the foundations of what the England team achieved in the Rugby World Cup, I have selected a squad that provides strong continuity and experience, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity to develop the talent of a number of new and less experienced players,” Borthwick said.
“I would particularly like to congratulate the new faces who have their first chance in an England squad, and very much look forward to seeing how that young talent can play an important part in ensuring that England continue to develop our game and move forward.
“The Six Nations is a tremendously entertaining and hugely competitive competition. This year will be no different, and as we prepare for the challenge which awaits us against Italy in Rome, this squad will come together next week for a training camp in Girona.”
There are recalls for Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade, who were the big omissions from the Rugby World Cup squad, but Kyle Sinckler has been axed.
Other names to come back in include Alex Coles, Alex Dombrandt, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ben Curry, Tom Pearson, Beno Obano and Ben Spencer.
Bath wing duo Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga are perhaps unfortunate to miss out after impressive seasons in the West Country, while there is still no room for Zach Mercer.
Star of the World Cup semi-final George Martin misses out after picking up an injury with Alfie Barbeary also absent following his citing for two offences at the weekend.
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, Beno Obano, Tom Pearson, Ethan Roots, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill
Backs: Oscar Beard, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward
