England head coach Steve Borthwick has confirmed that a final decision on resting captain Maro Itoje for all or part of the summer Nations Championship will be delayed until the squad is announced in June. Barring an injury crisis, fresh leadership is likely for at least one of the July Tests.
The new tournament sees England play on three different continents on consecutive weekends, starting against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July, followed by Fiji at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 11 July, and concluding in Santiago del Estero, Argentina on 18 July.
Borthwick acknowledged ongoing discussions with several players, including Itoje, about managing their schedules. “Myself and Phil Morrow met with Maro and had a discussion about what’s right for him,” said Borthwick. “I’ll make decisions when the time comes to announce the squad.”
The coach also defended his decision to select South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is still serving his residency qualification period, for training this week. “The World Rugby eligibility rules are really clear,” said Borthwick. “He’s a very good player who has committed to playing his rugby here.”
Meanwhile, Borthwick is looking forward to the return of Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant, but Harlequins prop Fin Baxter will miss the July Tests after another foot operation. England aim to bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations campaign.
