England head coach Steve Borthwick has named Saracens hooker Jamie George as his captain for the upcoming Six Nations, where seven uncapped players will be bidding to make their individual debuts.
Following the 2023 World Cup, former captain Owen Farrell revealed that he would be stepping back from international rugby to prioritise his mental health and his family's wellbeing, meaning that he would miss the 2024 Six Nations tournament.
With Farrell absent from the ranks, 33-year-old George - who started five of England's six World Cup matches - will lead England into the tournament next month and is confident that he can successfully fill Farrell's boots.
"Last week Steve asked me to be captain for the upcoming Six Nations and I accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm," George told englandrugby.com after being named Borthwick's new skipper.
"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.
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"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."
George forms part of a 36-man troupe for England ahead of a training camp in Girona, and Borthwick has also handed 21-year-old Exeter Chiefs man Immanuel Feyi-Waboso a maiden senior call-up.
The Cardiff-born centre links up with England after scoring tries in each of Exeter's last three Gallagher Premiership matches, taking his total up to five tries from nine league fixtures in the ongoing campaign.
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs), Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks) and Fin Smith (Northampton Saints) represent six more uncapped players in the England ranks, while Ellis Genge has battled back from a hamstring injury to make the cut.
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"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."
England's opening match of the 2024 Six Nations comes against perennial Wooden spoon winners Italy on February 3 at Stadio Olimpico, before Wales visit Twickenham seven days later.
Ben Knapton
