England captain Maro Itoje has become the target of some good-natured banter from his international team-mates after sharing a series of stunning holiday snaps on Instagram while enjoying a well-earned break.
The Saracens lock is currently away after being stood down by Steve Borthwick for England’s entire Nations Championship campaign.
The decision was made to manage the 31-year-old’s workload following an exceptionally demanding 18 months, during which he captained the British & Irish Lions, led England through the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations, and dealt with the personal loss of his mother. Itoje has also played more Test minutes than any player in world rugby over the past decade.
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England stars pile into the comments
As Itoje soaked up the sunshine, his England team-mates couldn’t resist reminding him what he’s missing.
Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith joked:
“36 degrees today at training. Glad ur taking it easy.”
Itoje replied:
“I’m with you in spirit my guy.”
England prop Ellis Genge also commented:
“Enjoying your holiday content mate.”
To which Itoje responded:
“Lool thanks I’ll keep it coming aha.”
The light-hearted exchanges quickly caught the attention of fans, who enjoyed seeing the close bond between England’s senior players despite Itoje’s absence from the summer squad.
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Why Itoje isn’t with England
Although Saracens failed to reach the Premiership play-offs, England’s management opted to give their captain a complete break rather than include him for the inaugural Nations Championship.
Steve Borthwick has repeatedly stressed the importance of managing Itoje’s workload ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with England believing a summer off is the best way to ensure one of their most influential players remains fresh for the challenges ahead. Jamie George has taken over the captaincy in Itoje’s absence.
For now, Itoje appears to be making the most of his time away, while his England team-mates continue preparations for clashes with South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Brian Moore picks his England XV – with Henry Pollock in and 105-cap star out
Moore believes England are now entering the “final runway” before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, warning that Borthwick’s opportunity to experiment is quickly disappearing.
“His time for experimentation is closing, and he must balance taking risks against chasing wins and the confidence that gives a squad.”
Back three
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore has gone for an exciting and attack-minded back three, favouring George Furbank’s creativity over Freddie Steward’s aerial prowess, while keeping faith with Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to provide England’s cutting edge out wide.
On Furbank, he wrote:
“Although Freddie Steward’s solidity under the high ball would be welcome at Ellis Park, Furbank gives more options to unlock the Springboks out wide.”
Freeman also keeps his place, although Moore believes England must soon settle on his long-term position.
“At some point Borthwick is going to have to decide whether Freeman’s ability to make good things happen whenever he is on the ball should be limited to the edge or the centre of England’s back line.”
Meanwhile, Moore wants Feyi-Waboso to become one of England’s biggest attacking weapons.
“He should be encouraged to do more work as ‘wild-card carrier’ around the fringes of the breakdown.”
“His power and pace can unsettle defenders used to covering less dynamic ball-carriers.”
Centres
12. Tom Litchfield
13. Max Ojomoh
England’s midfield remains one of Moore’s biggest concerns. He believes Borthwick must finally settle on a centre partnership, backing Tom Litchfield and Max Ojomoh to be given an extended opportunity after impressive Premiership campaigns.
Moore wrote:
“The main one is the continuing merry-go-round that is the England centre partnership.”
He added:
“To… be only one year out from a World Cup and not have even one nailed-on selection is bewildering.”
On Ojomoh, he said:
“His promise deserves an extended series run.”
Explaining Litchfield’s inclusion, Moore added:
“Litchfield is coming off the back of an excellent club season; why not give him a run when you have Northampton team-mates Furbank, Freeman and Smith there.”
Half-backs
9. Alex Mitchell
10. Fin Smith
Moore has stuck with Northampton’s half-back pairing, believing continuity is crucial as England build towards the World Cup. He also feels Fin Smith should now be given every opportunity to establish himself as England’s long-term fly-half.
On Smith, Moore wrote:
“Unless Borthwick intends George Ford to lead England’s backs in Australia, it is preferable for Fin, and Marcus, Smith to get game time.”
Mitchell also gets the nod at scrum-half.
“Mitchell… has the edge over his clubmate Archie McParland when it comes to international experience.”
Moore added:
“Ben Spencer’s know-how is probably preferable for this specific fixture as cover.”
