England 2024 Six Nations squad: Jamie George named captain as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso gets first call-up

Jamie George has been confirmed as England captain for the 2024 Six Nations by head coach Steve Borthwick, who has named seven uncapped players in his 36-player squad.

The Saracens hooker takes over from club team-mate Owen Farrell, who has stepped back from the international game to prioritise his mental wellbeing. England start their campaign in Italy on Saturday, 3 February.

George has long been part of the senior leadership group and has been picked ahead of Bristol prop Ellis Genge, who was vice-skipper at the World Cup, and Sale fly-half George Ford.

There is no space in the squad for No. 8 Billy Vunipola and prop Kyle Sinckler.

Exeter's Wales-born winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who qualifies for England through family heritage, receives his first call-up, while fellow Chiefs player Henry Slade is recalled following his surprise omission for last autumn’s World Cup.

He faces competition in the centres from a number of uncapped players, including Northampton’s former England under-20 captain Fraser Dingwall, Harlequins’ Oscar Beard, and Sale’s Tom Roebuck.

Exeter’s New Zealand-born flanker Ethan Roots, who has previously played for the Maori All Blacks, is also called up, as are Northampton fly-half Fin Smith and Quins forward Chandler Cunningham-South.

Borthwick has been forced to name a new-look squad due to the absences of Farrell and Courtney Lawes, who has retired from international rugby. He has also been hit by injuries to key players including Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry and Tom Willis, while Joe Marchant and Henry Arundell are ineligible following their moves to France.

“When I asked Jamie to be captain for this forthcoming series, I could sense his excitement and pride at being asked to lead his country. I am delighted that he has accepted the role,” said Borthwick after picking George as his new skipper.

“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years now. With 85 England caps to his name, he is a quietly influential character who has an excellent tactical understanding and who sets high standards, whilst building strong relationships with the people around him.”

George says he was asked by Borthwick to take on the captaincy last week, a role he has taken on with "huge gratitude and enthusiasm".

“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,” said the Saracens forward.

“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.

“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.”

England start their Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 3.

*denotes uncapped player

Forwards:

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins*), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens) – captain, Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs*), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).

Oscar Beard (Harlequins*), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints*), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs*), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks*), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints*), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers).

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