Maro Itoje, the influential second-row forward, has been called back into the England rugby camp, joining a 36-man training squad as preparations begin for the highly anticipated Autumn Nations Championship. His re-inclusion follows a period of absence during the July international matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, which allowed him to take his first substantial summer break from the sport in over a decade, with vacations in Mauritius and Nigeria. This hiatus was particularly significant for the 31-year-old, who had endured a challenging period marked by the loss of his mother shortly before leading England through a disappointing Six Nations campaign where they secured only one victory. Itoje has publicly expressed that this time away has been highly beneficial, aiding his physical and mental recuperation.
The squad, under the guidance of head coach Steve Borthwick, is scheduled to convene this Sunday, marking their first gathering since the summer tour. Expectations are high that Itoje, a key player for Saracens, will resume his role as captain when England kicks off their campaign against Australia on November 8. This will see him take over the leadership responsibilities from Jamie George, who has been holding the captaincy. Following the clash with Australia, England will face Japan on November 14, culminating in a marquee fixture against New Zealand on November 21. These matches are crucial for the team as they aim to build momentum and performance ahead of future competitions.
Notably, some prominent players will not be joining the squad at this time. Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant, both now eligible to represent England again after their respective returns from French clubs Brive and Stade Francais, have not been included in the current training group. Additionally, while Jamie George is dealing with a groin injury and Ollie Chessum is recovering from a foot problem, both players are still expected to link up with the squad, indicating their potential involvement or at least their presence for rehabilitation and team integration. The comprehensive training squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents across both forwards and backs, signaling a strategic approach to team development and depth.
The return of Maro Itoje brings a significant boost in leadership, experience, and on-field prowess to the England squad as they gear up for the Autumn Nations Championship. His well-documented break appears to have reinvigorated him, setting the stage for a strong return to international rugby. With a challenging schedule ahead, Itoje's presence will be crucial in guiding the team through tough encounters against some of the world's best rugby nations.
