In a stunning tactical twist ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship, England head coach Steve Borthwick has officially rested regular captain Maro Itoje for their daunting southern hemisphere summer tour. The 31-year-old world-class lock will sit out the highly anticipated clashes against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina to combat extreme player burnout.
With Itoje sidelined, veteran hooker Jamie George has been handed the captain’s armband once again to steer the Red Roses through enemy territory.
The Logistical Engine: Why Itoje is Sitting Out
Itoje’s workload over the past decade has been unparalleled in world rugby. Having historically racked up more competitive Test minutes than any other player on the globe over the last ten years, his break is well-earned.
Over the past calendar year alone, Itoje successfully guided the British & Irish Lions to a historic series win over Australia, anchored England’s November Internationals, battled through a brutal Six Nations campaign, and navigated the deeply emotional personal loss of his mother.
With secondary rowers Alex Coles and George Martin pulling through their recent club fixtures fully fit, Borthwick seized the strategic opportunity to grant his talisman an international sabbatical.
36-Man Tour Squad Features a South African Twist
Borthwick has named an aggressive 36-man travelling squad blending heavy internal experience with raw, uncapped energy. Intriguingly, the list features South Africa-born Bristol Bears midfielder Benhard Janse van Rensburg. However, due to complex tournament eligibility regulations, Janse van Rensburg will remain entirely ineligible to play on the pitch until after the opening Test match against his home nation.
The other four fresh faces hunting for a maiden international cap are Noah Caluori, Greg Fisilau, George Kloska, and Vilikesa Sela.
The old-school rivalry kicks off in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 4 July 2026, as England face Rassie Erasmus’ formidable Springboks at the iconic, high-altitude fortress of Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Battle Lines: Verified Tour Squads
England Squad
- Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Charlie Ewels, Greg Fisilau, Elís Genge, Jamie George (c), Joe Heyes, Ted Hill, George Kloska, George Martin, Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Vilikesa Sela.
- Backs: Seb Atkinson, Noah Caluori, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Max Ojomoh, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet. (Uncapped)
Springbok Squad
- Props: Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Zachary Porthen, Carlu Sadie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Boan Venter.
- Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Andre-Hugo Venter.
- Locks: Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Ruben van Heerden.
- Loose Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka, Jasper Wiese.
- Utility Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco Mostert, Riley Norton, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.
- Scrumhalves: Embrose Papier, Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams.
- Flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Vusi Moyo, Handre Pollard.
- Centres: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel.
- Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Edwill van der Merwe, Jaco Williams, Damian Willemse.
