England captain Maro Itoje has been omitted from the latest national training squad as head coach Steve Borthwick prioritizes player welfare following a demanding season. The Saracens lock, who has endured a high-intensity campaign including club duties, the Six Nations, and a rigorous personal schedule, remains in discussions with team management regarding his availability for the upcoming summer fixtures.
Why was Maro Itoje left out of the squad?
Steve Borthwick confirmed that Itoje’s absence is a managed decision rather than a disciplinary action or injury-related removal. Speaking to the BBC, Borthwick highlighted the "challenging year" the 29-year-old has faced. The coaching staff is balancing the need for veteran leadership against the physical and emotional toll of a season that included significant personal loss and a heavy match-load. By resting key personnel, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) aims to ensure players are physically prepared for the long-term international cycle rather than risking burnout during the summer matches.
Who are the new faces in the England training camp?
The squad selection reflects a shift toward integrating emerging talent, particularly as Saracens and other Premiership clubs prepare for the league’s semi-final stage. Borthwick has called up several uncapped players to gain exposure to the national setup at Pennyhill Park.
The new inclusions for this training block include:
- Hugh Tizard (Saracens)
- Will Hobson (Harlequins)
- Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks)
- George Kloska (Bristol Bears)
These players are in contention for the uncapped England XV fixture against a France XV, scheduled for June 19 in Vannes. This match serves as a developmental opportunity for the squad to test depth outside of the primary Test team.
How does this affect the summer tour?
England is preparing for a challenging international schedule, starting with a trip to Johannesburg to face world champions South Africa. Following the encounter with the Springboks, England will play Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
While Itoje is currently absent from training, other core squad members are working through rehabilitation programs. According to the official RFU squad announcement, players such as Luke Cowan-Dickie, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Ellis Genge have returned to camp specifically to undergo injury recovery under the supervision of England’s medical staff.
England Training Squad Overview
The current training squad features a blend of established international experience and domestic prospects:
Forwards:
Arthur Clark, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Afolabi Fasogbon, Jamie George, Will Hobson, Nick Isiekwe, Nathan Jibulu, Jack Kenningham, George Kloska, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Hugh Tizard.
Backs:
Charlie Atkinson, Seb Atkinson, Noah Caluori, Tobias Elliott, George Ford, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Cadan Murley, Raffi Quirke, Harry Randall, Ben Redshaw, Tom Roebuck, Marcus Smith.
This selection strategy mirrors the precedent set by Borthwick during the 2024 Six Nations, where the coach frequently rotated personnel to account for injury volatility and the intense physical demands of the professional game. The focus remains on building a robust, deep squad capable of competing against high-ranking southern hemisphere opponents.