Despite a mild-mannered persona, the new England captain has a reputation for playing risk and reward with officials

As England prepare to face Ireland in their opening game of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Maro Itoje prepares for his first game as captain.

Latest news as Wales and France name sides for opener after England make bold call - Rugby’s greatest championship is set to get underway as Warren Gatland and Fabien Galthie prepare to name their tea

Itoje, 30, has replaced Jamie George as captain heading into this year's Six Nations Championship. Itoje was also named Saracens skipper ahead of this season, and said his leadership approach is to combine leading and serving. "I want to serve the squad, serve the country, serve the staff, serve the fans in the role," Itoje said.

A capsule look at England, France, defending champion Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations, which starts on Friday.

Captain Maro Itoje says England can shrug off their poor recent form and deliver a surprise Six Nations Grand Slam.

Ahead of the opening round of action in the 2025 Six Nations, we run through all the teamsheets. The action gets underway as Antoine Dupont marks his return to the Championship alongside Toulouse teammate Romain Ntamack as France look to kickstart their tournament on a high note against Wales on Friday evening.

Maro Itoje has been named as England captain for the Six Nations as he demands more from his team-mates after a poor year of results in 2024.

Lawrence Dallaglio has told England players an all-expenses trip to Australia is up for grabs as the prize for winning their Six Nations opener in Dublin.

ESPN writers Tom Hamilton and James Regan weigh in on what each team should be aiming for this Six Nations, why they can achieve it, and why they might not.

Ireland and England will meet at the Aviva Stadium in a blockbuster encounter on the opening weekend of the 2025 Six Nations Championship. The Irish are the two-time defending Six Nations

England have named Maro Itoje as their captain for the Six Nations - taking on the role from Jamie George - with World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio insisting any skipper must be deserving of a starti