Six Nations LIVE: England and Ireland announce squads and new captains ahead of tournament

The countdown to the 2024 edition of the Six Nations continued after the shock news that Wales have lost star Louis Rees-Zammit as he pursues a career in the NFL.

Earlier in the day, England named their squad, with Jamie George replacing Owen Farrell as captain after the fly half took a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental wellbeing. Borthwick’s selection for the tournament includes a number of eye-catching potential debutants, including Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots.

Then it was the turn of Ireland, with Andy Farrell selecting Peter O’Mahony as his new captain to replace the retiring Johnny Sexton. Head coach Farrell’s 34-man selection does not include any uncapped players. However, there are recalls for Leinster quartet Cian Healy, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Jordan Larmour, Ulster trio Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale, and Munster wing Calvin Nash.

Follow all the reaction to both squad announcements below:

England and Ireland Six Nations squad announcements - live updates

• Jamie George to lead England as Six Nations squad revealed

• Andy Farrell selects Peter O’Mahony as Ireland captain for Six Nations

• Wales and Scotland named their squads yesterday for next month’s Six Nations

• The 2024 Six Nations gets underway on 2 February with France v Ireland

That’s all for today

16:30 , Ben Fleming

That brings to an end today’s coverage of the men’s Six Nations squad announcements. Plenty of talking points and two new faces to lead both England and Ireland into next month’s tournament.

Thanks for tuning in - until next time!

Inside the Ireland squad

16:19 , Ben Fleming

Farrell’s 34-man selection does not include any uncapped players, unlike Borthwick who named seven in his England squad.

However, there are recalls for Leinster quartet Cian Healy, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Jordan Larmour, Ulster trio Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale, and Munster wing Calvin Nash.

In the absence of Sexton, Farrell has named Jack Crowley, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley as his three fly-halves, with all three having just 12 caps between them. Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne misses out having just undergone arm surgery.

Uncapped Munster pair Oli Jager and Thomas Ahern will join the squad as training panelists, in addition to Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast, who is also yet to feature at senior level.

Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures

16:05 , Ben Fleming

Round 1: France vs Ireland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille) - Friday 2 February, 8pm GMT

Round 2: Ireland vs Italy (Aviva Stadium, Dublin) - Sunday 11 February, 3pm GMT

Round 3: Ireland vs Wales (Aviva Stadium, Dublin) - Saturday 24 February, 2.15pm GMT

Round 4: England vs Ireland (Twickenham, London) - Saturday 9 March, 4.45pm GMT

Round 5: Ireland vs Scotland (Aviva Stadium, Dublin) - Saturday 16 March, 4.45pm GMT

Andy Farrell selects Peter O’Mahony as Ireland captain for Six Nations

15:55 , Ben Fleming

Ireland boss Andy Farrell has selected Peter O’Mahony as captain for the Guinness Six Nations.

Munster flanker O’Mahony takes on the role from Johnny Sexton, who retired following last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in Paris.

The 34-year-old, who first skippered Ireland in a 15-12 win over the United States in June 2013, has won 101 Test caps for his country, plus one for the British and Irish Lions.

Andy Farrell selects Peter O’Mahony as Ireland captain for Six Nations

More from Farrell

15:48 , Ben Fleming

“The forthcoming Men’s Guinness Six Nations presents an opportunity for us to grow and develop. The Six Nations is one of the biggest stages in world rugby and this year’s competition will be keenly fought.

“I am pleased with the quality of performances by the extended group over the last number of weeks and believe that the squad is in good shape. I would like to congratulate all those who have been selected, especially those who are at the beginning of their international journeys.

“It doesn’t get much tougher than France away in the opening weekend, but it is a challenge that we will approach in a positive frame of mind.”

O’Mahony named new Ireland captain

15:42 , Ben Fleming

It wasn’t just England looking for a new captain as Jonny Sexton’s post-World Cup retirement left Ireland also looking for a new skipper.

And Andy Farrell has gone with the experienced back-rower Peter O’Mahony who has 101 caps to his name.

On the appointment, Farrel said: “He is a born leader and someone who has been an influential figure for Munster and Ireland for many years. I am confident that the squad will continue to benefit from his leadership skills, both on and off the field.

“He is thoroughly deserving of this honour, and I know that he will relish working closely with the wider leadership group and squad over the coming campaign. I would like to congratulate him and his family at this special time.”

Ireland squad in full

15:36 , Ben Fleming

And here are the backs:

Backs:

Bundee Aki (Connacht, 52 caps)

Harry Byrne (Leinster, 2 caps)

Craig Casey (Munster, 13 caps)

Jack Crowley (Munster, 9 caps)

Ciaran Frawley (Leinster, 1 cap)

Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster, caps)

Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, 62 caps)

Hugo Keenan (Leinster, 36 caps)

Jordan Larmour (Leinster, 30 caps)

James Lowe (Leinster, 26 caps)

Stuart McCloskey (Ulster, 15 caps)

Conor Murray (Munster, 112 caps)

Calvin Nash (Munster, 1 cap)

Garry Ringrose (Leinster, 57 caps)

Jacob Stockdale (Ulster, 37 caps)

Ireland squad in full

15:29 , Ben Fleming

And here is the squad in full. First, the forwards:

Fowards:

Ryan Baird (Leinster, 15 caps)

Finlay Bealham (Connacht, 36 caps)

Tadhg Beirne (Munster, 46 caps)

Jack Conan (Leinster, 41 caps)

Caelan Doris (Leinster, 36 caps)

Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 72 caps)

Cian Healy (Leinster, 125 caps)

Iain Henderson (Ulster, 79 caps)

Ronan Kelleher (Leinster, 26 caps)

Jeremy Loughman (Munster, 4 caps)

Joe McCarthy (Leinster, 5 caps)

Peter O’Mahony (Munster, 101 caps)

Tom O’Toole (Ulster, 12 caps)

Andrew Porter (Leinster, 59 caps)

James Ryan (Leinster, 59 caps)

Dan Sheehan (Leinster, 21 caps)

Tom Stewart (Ulster, 2 caps)

Nick Timoney (Ulster, 3 caps)

Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 57 caps)

Ireland announce their squad

15:25 , Ben Fleming

We’ve had England’s earlier in the day but now it is the turn of Ireland. Here is their squad for the men’s Six Nations:

Warren Gatland unsure if ‘freak’ Louis Rees-Zammit can crack NFL: ‘Good luck to him’

13:45 , Ben Fleming

Wales boss Warren Gatland admits he has “no idea” if Louis Rees-Zammit will play rugby union again following his switch to American football.

While Wales prepare for a Six Nations opener against Scotland, Rees-Zammit will be concentrating on the NFL’s International Player Pathway in the hope of forging a gridiron career.

His move to the United States with immediate effect has left Wales and his club Gloucester without a box-office wing, whose try-scoring ability thrilled crowds on domestic, European and international stages.

Rees-Zammit’s rugby union career comes to a halt after winning 32 Wales caps and a World Cup campaign in France when he scored five tries.

Asked if the 22-year-old would come back to rugby one day, Gatland said: “No idea. There aren’t a lot of people who make it in the NFL who haven’t been brought up with the game and played it at a young age.

Warren Gatland unsure if ‘freak’ Louis Rees-Zammit can crack NFL: ‘Good luck to him’

What Owen Farrell’s potential move to France says about the future of club rugby

13:37 , Ben Fleming

One only needs to be a casual consumer of club rugby union to recognise that the winds of change are blowing. If the news that Owen Farrell is giving strong consideration to a move to Racing 92 came as a bombshell, the idea of an English player contemplating a move from the Premiership Rugby to the Top 14 did not.

Farrell’s situation is different to most but his mulling of a move across the Channel reflects the general direction of rugby’s labour migration. France’s Top 14 is now firmly established as the world’s top domestic league financially, with a bumper TV deal, buoyant crowds and a thriving structure beneath it sustaining professional clubs across three tiers.

Conversely, English club rugby has shrunk, with the loss of four clubs in 12 months highlighting the financial issues within the system, where the challenges of Covid have led to a depression of the salary cap. Proposals are on the table to lift the current limit on player spending from £5m per year back to the previous figure of £6.4m, but with most clubs recording major financial losses each season, a number are reluctant for the cap to rise again.

What Owen Farrell’s potential move to France says about the future of club rugby

Gregor Townsend undecided on Scotland captain amid Jamie Ritchie fitness battle

13:27 , Ben Fleming

Yesterday, Gregor Townsend revealed his Scotland squad but said he is still to decide on whether Jamie Ritchie will captain Scotland for the upcoming Six Nations as the Edinburgh back-rower bids to prove his form and fitness ahead of the tournament.

The 27-year-old flanker has led the national team since succeeding Stuart Hogg in the role for the 2022 summer tour of South America but has been hindered by injury since the World Cup last autumn.

It was notable when Townsend announced his 39-man squad for the tournament on Tuesday afternoon that nobody was listed as skipper.

Read more of the Scotland head coach’s thoughts below:

Gregor Townsend undecided on Scotland captain amid Jamie Ritchie fitness battle

Jamie George signs Saracens extension

13:17 , Ben Fleming

The England hooker has been named as England’s new captain following Owen Farrell’s break from international rugby but there is more good news for the 33-year-old today as he’s just announced that he will be signing a contract extension with Saracens.

‘Wolverine’ Ellis Genge promises Six Nations return after ‘miraculous’ recovery

13:07 , Ben Fleming

Ellis Genge has been named in England’s Six Nations squad and jokingly cited his Wolverine-like miraculous powers of recovery for ensuring he has shaken off a hamstring injury.

Prop Genge picked up the issue while training for club side Bristol Bears in December and it was thought the injury may rule him out of the start of the Six Nations – which begins for England away to Italy on Saturday 3 February.

But having worked closely with the Bears medical team, the 28-year-old insists he’s almost back to full fitness and while this weekend’s Champions Cup game against Connacht will come too soon, the Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath on 27 January is a possible target for his return.

Steve Borthwick names his England squad for the Six Nations on Wednesday morning, with Genge expected to be included, and his return will be a huge boost for the coach as he battles a string of injuries and retirements at loosehead prop.

Read the full interview below:

‘Wolverine’ Ellis Genge promises Six Nations return after ‘miraculous’ recovery

England’s fixtures

12:55 , Ben Fleming

A reminder of how England’s fixtures look for the Six Nations:

Round 1: Italy vs England (Stadio Olimpico, Rome) - Saturday 3 February, 2.15pm GMT

Round 2: England vs Wales (Twickenham, London) - Saturday 10 February, 4.45pm GMT

Round 3: Scotland vs England (Murrayfield, Edinburgh) - Saturday 24 February, 4.45pm GMT

Round 4: England vs Ireland (Twickenham, London) - Saturday 9 March, 4.45pm GMT

Round 5: France vs England (Groupama Stadium, Lyon) - Saturday 16 March, 8pm GMT

Steve Borthwick names seven uncapped players in Six Nations squad

12:45 , Ben Fleming

Analysis from The Independent’s Harry Latham-Coyle:

This looks a well-balanced squad named by Steve Borthwick, who will see this Six Nations as a real opportunity for England with a number of other nations in flux. Jamie George is a smart, sensible selection as captain in Owen Farrell’s absence - the hooker is an excellent communicator on and off the field who has been a key leader for many years. He is, even with Luke Cowan-Dickie’s return, a certain starter.

Elsewhere, Borthwick has retained a number of senior heads, with Joe Marler, Danny Care and Dan Cole ensuring continuity from the World Cup group and a bit of veteran nous. Still, there are plenty of looks to the future - take Chandler Cunningham-South’s inclusion ahead of Billy Vunipola, or the call-up for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, so impressive for Exeter this season and perhaps now kept out of Welsh hands.

Recalls for Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade and Ben Spencer are richly deserved, too.

England squad in full

12:35 , Ben Fleming

So here’s the full squad listed out:

Forwards:

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)

Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)

Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)

Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)

Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)

Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)

Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) – captain

Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)

Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)

Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)

Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)

Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)

Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)

Backs:

Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)

Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)

Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)

Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

George Ford (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)

Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)

Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)

Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)

Jamie George to lead England as Six Nations squad revealed

12:20 , Ben Fleming

Jamie George will captain England in the 2024 Six Nations with the hooker confirmed to lead a 36-player squad named by Steve Borthwick ahead of the tournament.

George replaces Saracens teammate Owen Farrell in the role, with the fly half taking a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

Borthwick’s selection for the tournament includes a number of eye-catching potential debutants, including Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots.

Wing Feyi-Waboso also qualifies for Wales but has opted to join up with England after a breakthrough season for his club, while New Zealand-born back rower Roots is eligible through an English father and has similarly impressed in a resurgent Chiefs side.

In case you missed it, here’s the main news from England’s men’s Six Nations squad announcement:

Jamie George to lead England as Six Nations squad revealed

Meet the debutants: Fin Smith

12:09 , Ben Fleming

With Owen Farrell’s departure from England duty, an opening has emerged at fly half and it has been filled by Fin Smith. The 21-year-old was selected by Borthwick in last season’s Six Nations squad and should provide competition for George Ford and Marcus Smith.

Plying his trade domestically for Northampton Saints, Smith has a small frame but is known for his superb all-round kicking game.

Meet the debutants: Tom Roebuck

12:03 , Ben Fleming

Adding more pace on the wing is 23-year-old Tom Roebuck. The Sale Sharks man has worked his way through the England youth set-ups and has now been given an opportunity ahead of the Six Nations after scoring five tries this season.

Meet the debutants: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

11:59 , Ben Fleming

Perhaps one of the most exciting new names in England’s squad is Exter Chiefs’ Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The Cardiff-born winger has turned down the opportunity to play for Wales and looks set to commit himself to England. The 21-year-old moved to Exeter after Wasps went into administration and should add plenty of power to England’s backs.

Speaking at his press conference earlier, Bortwhick said of the youngster: “He’s impressed us not just on the pitch - we can all see the power and speed that he brings - but he’s a really mature guy. I get a real sense of maturity from him and I’m excited by this step.

“When I rang him yesterday I could sense that excitement and buzz down the phone. He was thrilled and that gave me a real energy and a buzz too.”

Meet the debutants: Fraser Dingwall

11:51 , Ben Fleming

Another centre that can help replace the loss of Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant is Fraser Dingwall. The Northampton Saints man has been around England training squads in the past but gets his first official call-up ahead of this Six Nations.

Dingwall won Premiership Player of the Month in February last year and was named Saints Supporters’ Player of the Season last year.

Meet the debutants: Oscar Beard

11:45 , Ben Fleming

Moving into the backs and the first new name is Oscar Beard. The Harlequins back will over the England team with plenty of versatility. Beard has predominantly played in the centres for Quins this season but could be deployed out wide if need be.

His inclusion comes off the back of several players unavailable for selection due to injury and moves abroad.

Meet the debutants: Ethan Roots

11:37 , Ben Fleming

Next up is Ethan Roots, another back rower who has impressed at Exeter as part of Rob Baxter’s youthful side. The 26-year-old was born in New Zealand but qualifies through his Reading-born father.

Utilised as a flanker, Roots has caught the eye of Steve Borthwick since his move to Sandy Park from Ulster last summer and is a combative and willing runner who will hope to add some dynamism to England’s new-look pack.

Meet the debutants: Chandler Cunningham-South

11:30 , Ben Fleming

So, let’s begin to dive into some of the new names in this England squad. First up is Chandler Cunningham-South, the Harlequins back-rower and former England U-20 star.

The youngster hails from New Zealand and made the move to Quins after London Irish entered administration. He has played for England in the Six Nations Under 20s Championship for the past two years but now makes the step up to the senior side after an impressive start to the season.

Known for his all-round game, Cunningham-South will be hoping to fill the void left by Courtney Lawes who retired after last summer’s World Cup.

England squad in full

11:21 , Ben Fleming

If you are just joining us, here is a look at the full squad list:

Forwards:

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)

Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)

Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)

Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)

Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)

Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)

Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) – captain

Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)

Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)

Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)

Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)

Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)

Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)

Backs:

Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)

Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)

Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)

Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

George Ford (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)

Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)

Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)

Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)

Tuilagi and Marti included on rehabilitation list

11:14 , Ben Fleming

Alongside their squad, England have named a “rehabilitation list”, made up of six players who could come into the squad if they regain fitness as the tournament goes along. The names are:

George Martin, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson, Raffi Quirke and Jack van Poortvliet

Jamie George to lead England as Six Nations squad revealed

11:08 , Ben Fleming

Jamie George will captain England in the 2024 Six Nations with the hooker confirmed to lead a 36-player squad named by Steve Borthwick ahead of the tournament.

George replaces Saracens teammate Owen Farrell in the role, with the fly half taking a break from international rugby to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

Borthwick’s selection for the tournament includes a number of eye-catching potential debutants, including Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots.

Wing Feyi-Waboso also qualifies for Wales but has opted to join up with England after a breakthrough season for his club, while New Zealand-born back rower Roots is eligible through an English father and has similarly impressed in a resurgent Chiefs side.

In case you missed it, here’s the main news from England’s men’s Six Nations squad announcement:

Jamie George to lead England as Six Nations squad revealed

Steve Borthwick speaks live

11:01 , Ben Fleming

On the development of the playing style: “The need to evolve and move forward is constantly there, but we have to make sure the foundations are strong. We made progress in that regard last year and around half of the players in the World Cup squad are in this squad, we have a real good mix. I’m really excited about bringing that mix of players together.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:56 , Ben Fleming

On captain Jamie George and his decision to stay with Saracens: “It’s a real positive step and a real good sign that English rugby, while still a way to go, has turned a corner. There’s a positive nature in English rugby from what we’ve seen so far this season. For him to commit to his future - the captain of England - is an important step.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:53 , Ben Fleming

On other potential captaincy options: “There are a good number of names. In the past, England did not necessarily have the leaders but, over the past 12 months, under Owen, this has been a group who have brought themselves together. Genge, Marler, Itoje, Care, Sladey... the list goes on. But Jamie is the outstanding one for this team right now.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:50 , Ben Fleming

On Alfie Barbeary: “I rate Alfie very highly and I’ve said that to him. We met a good few weeks ago in Bath and we had a good chat then. I spoke to him yesterday but it’s a competitive position and I think he’s done really well. Did the disciplinary hearing have an effect [on leaving him out]? Yes, I wanted the squad to have that certainty about what we are doing going forward.

“But he’ll definitely feature and be a big part of English rugby if he continues to go the way he is.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:47 , Ben Fleming

Aims for the Six Nations: “In the last six years, we’ve won 50 per cent of our games and it’s a level we need to improve. It’s something we’re determined to do. We’ve built some foundations over the last period of time and now we need to grow upon them.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:44 , Ben Fleming

Conversations with Owen Farrell: “I spoke with Owen yesterday and I think what’s important is he makes a decision that is right for him and his family. Do I want him at some point to come back - yes - but I want him to do what’s right for him and his family so he can have the experiences and memories he wants.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:43 , Ben Fleming

On Slade and Dombrandt’s return: “They’ve played well, I know it is obvious. Slade in particular has been a match-winner for Exeter. There was incredible disappointment to miss out on the World Cup but he’s gone to his club and been tremendous. He’s been the guy who they’ve turned to.

“Dombrandt featured in the last Six Nations but was disappointed to miss out [on the World Cup], but I see a player who’s played well this season.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:41 , Ben Fleming

On Sinckler and Vuniploa’s omissions: “I’ve spoken to both players about what I’d like to see them develop in their games to be in their squad. There’s competition for places especially in that frow.

“Will Stuart has been excellent for Bath; Joe Heyes has shown a real development in his game this season; and Dan Cole – it’s important to recognise his impact. I’m pretty sure Kyle will be back in the squad at some point - there’s a sense of determination from him to go after the aspects we discussed.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:38 , Ben Fleming

On Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s call-up: “We spoke some weeks ago and have been in regular contact with him and Rob Baxter [Exter head coach]. He’s impressed us not just on the pitch - we can all see the power and speed that he brings - but he’s a really mature guy. I get a real sense of maturity from him and I’m excited by this step.

“When I rang him yesterday I could sense that excitement and buzz down the phone. He was thrilled and that gave me a real energy and a buzz too.”

Steve Borthwick speaks live

10:35 , Ben Fleming

On Jamie George as the new captain: “Firstly, I think he’s an outstanding player; everybody can see that. A great work-rate and sets a great example. Secondly, he’s got a great understanding of the game and he’s very astute. He’s brilliant with people and relationships - he’s got a great vibrancy about him.”

Notable absentees

10:31 , Ben Fleming

Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola stick out as two of the names to not be included in Borthwick’s 36-player squad.

There’s also no mention of George Martin, who impressed at the World Cup, but his club Leicester Tigers have since announced this morning that the second row will be “ruled out for a number of weeks with a minor knee injury.”

Returns for Slade and Cowan-Dickie

10:28 , Ben Fleming

Another notable two names in the squad are Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie. Slade was extremely unfortunate to miss out on England’s squad for the World Cup but has forced his way back into the squad after a superb start to the season with Exeter.

Cowan-Dickie, meanwhile, returns at hooker to provide competition and cover for new captain George.

Seven uncapped players

10:24 , Ben Fleming

We’ll dig into them all a bit later on, but here’s the list of uncapped players who are in line for their debuts in this year’s Six Nations:

Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)

Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs)

Oscar Beard (Harlequins)

Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)

Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)

Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)

Jamie George confirmed as captain

10:17 , Ben Fleming

On being given the captain, George said: “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.

“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.”

Jamie George confirmed as captain

10:13 , Ben Fleming

It’s not a surprise by any stretch but there’s also confirmation that Jamie George will indeed replace Owen Farrell as captain for this tournament:

“Jamie has been a respected leader in this group for a number of years now,” Borthwick said.

“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.

This, together with his previous experiences of captaining Saracens and The British & Irish Lions, leave him well-placed to lead the team.”

Borthwick on the England squad

10:11 , Ben Fleming

We’ll hear from the England head coach more in the next twenty minutes or so but here are some of his early thoughts on the squad that accompanied the announcement:

“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,” said Borthwick.

“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 squad in full

10:06 , Ben Fleming

So here’s the full squad listed out:

Forwards:

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)

Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 107 caps)

Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)

Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, uncapped)

Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 5 caps)

Theo Dan (Saracens, 7 caps)

Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 15 caps)

Ben Earl (Saracens, 25 caps)

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)

Jamie George (Saracens, 85 caps) – captain

Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)

Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 11 caps)

Maro Itoje (Saracens, 76 caps)

Joe Marler (Harlequins, 88 caps)

Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)

Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)

Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 33 caps)

Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 30 caps)

Backs:

Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)

Danny Care (Harlequins, 96 caps)

Elliot Daly (Saracens, 64 caps)

Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

George Ford (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)

Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)

George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)

Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, uncapped)

Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 57 caps)

Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, uncapped)

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 30 caps)

Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 31 caps)

Steve Borthwick names seven uncapped players in Six Nations squad

10:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This looks a well-balanced squad named by Steve Borthwick, who will see this Six Nations as a real opportunity for England with a number of other nations in flux. Jamie George is a smart, sensible selection as captain in Owen Farrell’s absence - the hooker is an excellent communicator on and off the field who has been a key leader for many years. He is, even with Luke Cowan-Dickie’s return, a certain starter.

Elsewhere, Borthwick has retained a number of senior heads, with Joe Marler, Danny Care and Dan Cole ensuring continuity from the World Cup group and a bit of veteran nous. Still, there are plenty of looks to the future - take Chandler Cunningham-South’s inclusion ahead of Billy Vunipola, or the call-up for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, so impressive for Exeter this season and perhaps now kept out of Welsh hands.

Recalls for Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade and Ben Spencer are richly deserved, too.

England squad confirmed

10:01 , Ben Fleming

And here it is - England’s men’s Six Nations squad is announced:

England’s fixtures

09:59 , Ben Fleming

A reminder of how England’s fixtures look for the Six Nations:

Round 1: Italy vs England (Stadio Olimpico, Rome) - Saturday 3 February, 2.15pm GMT

Round 2: England vs Wales (Twickenham, London) - Saturday 10 February, 4.45pm GMT

Round 3: Scotland vs England (Murrayfield, Edinburgh) - Saturday 24 February, 4.45pm GMT

Round 4: England vs Ireland (Twickenham, London) - Saturday 9 March, 4.45pm GMT

Round 5: France vs England (Groupama Stadium, Lyon) - Saturday 16 March, 8pm GMT

Other notable retirees

09:54 , Ben Fleming

Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May are another three who announced their retirement from England duty in the wake of last year’s World Cup. Lawes, in particular, will be a huge miss given his continued excellent form for Northampton Saints this season.

England prop Mako Vunipola retires from international rugby ahead of Six Nations

09:46 , Ben Fleming

One player who we know won’t be in England’s squad today is prop Mako Vunipola after he announced his international retirement ahead of the Six Nations.

Loosehead Vunipola last featured in an England shirt against Ireland last March, and missed the World Cup after suffering a back injury.

His prospects of a return were boosted with all three of Borthwick’s World Cup looseheads currently injured, though Ellis Genge could be fit for England’s opener against Italy in Rome.

And any chance of a recall has been ruled out by the 32-year-old Vunipola, who has confirmed that he will be stepping away from international rugby.

Mako Vunipola retires from England duty ahead of Six Nations

Turning to the annoucement

09:42 , Ben Fleming

We are expecting confirmation of England’s squad in the not-too-distant future and there are a few questions to answer. Crucially, who will England’s captain be after Owen Farrell’s departure from the international team?

Elsewhere there are also concerns for England’s depth in the front row and a number of uncapped players who could be in line for a maiden call-up to the England squad.

Something tells me there will be plenty to talk about...

British and Irish Lions announce historic first-ever women’s tour

09:32 , Ben Fleming

Some more good news for rugby fans - this one from yesterday - saw confirmation of the inaugural women’s Lions tour against New Zealand in September 2027.

A Lions statement on Tuesday morning confirmed the tour will not overlap with that year’s men’s World Cup and will include warm-up fixtures, but said the full schedule had not yet been finalised. However, it is expected that five fixtures against provincial sides will form the build-up schedule.

British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said: “Playing three Test matches against the current world champions, the Black Ferns, in New Zealand, in front of thousands of fans, represents the ultimate challenge and makes for a fantastic sporting spectacle.

“We look forward to working with all our stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby to finalise an exciting inaugural tour.”

British and Irish Lions announce historic first-ever women’s tour

Jamie George signs Saracens extension

09:25 , Ben Fleming

The England hooker is widely expected to be named as England’s new captain following Owen Farrell’s break from international rugby.

There’s more good news for the 33-year-old today as he’s just announced that he will be signing a contract extension with Saracens.

‘Wolverine’ Ellis Genge promises Six Nations return after ‘miraculous’ recovery

09:15 , Ben Fleming

Ellis Genge claims he will be fit for the start of the Six Nations and jokingly cited his Wolverine-like miraculous powers of recovery for ensuring he has shaken off a hamstring injury.

Prop Genge picked up the issue while training for club side Bristol Bears in December and it was thought the injury may rule him out of the start of the Six Nations – which begins for England away to Italy on Saturday 3 February.

But having worked closely with the Bears medical team, the 28-year-old insists he’s almost back to full fitness and while this weekend’s Champions Cup game against Connacht will come too soon, the Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath on 27 January is a possible target for his return.

Steve Borthwick names his England squad for the Six Nations on Wednesday morning, with Genge expected to be included, and his return will be a huge boost for the coach as he battles a string of injuries and retirements at loosehead prop.

Read the full interview below:

‘Wolverine’ Ellis Genge promises Six Nations return after ‘miraculous’ recovery

Gregor Townsend undecided on Scotland captain amid Jamie Ritchie fitness battle

09:06 , Ben Fleming

Yesterday, Gregor Townsend revealed his Scotland squad but said he is still to decide on whether Jamie Ritchie will captain Scotland for the upcoming Six Nations as the Edinburgh back-rower bids to prove his form and fitness ahead of the tournament.

The 27-year-old flanker has led the national team since succeeding Stuart Hogg in the role for the 2022 summer tour of South America but has been hindered by injury since the World Cup last autumn.

It was notable when Townsend announced his 39-man squad for the tournament on Tuesday afternoon that nobody was listed as skipper.

Read more of the Scotland head coach’s thoughts below:

Gregor Townsend undecided on Scotland captain amid Jamie Ritchie fitness battle

When is the Six Nations? Fixtures and schedule for 2024 Championship

08:26 , Jack Rathborn

The Six Nations returns with Ireland hoping to defend their Grand Slam crown.

The start of a new cycle has seen significant change in the six competing unions since a thrilling Rugby World Cup in France.

England, Ireland, Wales and France are all likely to have new captains at the helm, while Italy begin life under Gonzalo Quesada after a post-tournament coaching change.

Scotland will be hoping to build on a third-placed finish a year ago in what looks to be an open edition of one of rugby’s most storied championships.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Six Nations? Fixtures and schedule for 2024 Championship

What Owen Farrell’s potential move to France says about the future of club rugby

08:15 , Jack Rathborn

One only needs to be a casual consumer of club rugby union to recognise that the winds of change are blowing. If the news that Owen Farrell is giving strong consideration to a move to Racing 92 came as a bombshell, the idea of an English player contemplating a move from the Premiership Rugby to the Top 14 did not.

Farrell’s situation is different to most but his mulling of a move across the Channel reflects the general direction of rugby’s labour migration. France’s Top 14 is now firmly established as the world’s top domestic league financially, with a bumper TV deal, buoyant crowds and a thriving structure beneath it sustaining professional clubs across three tiers.

Conversely, English club rugby has shrunk, with the loss of four clubs in 12 months highlighting the financial issues within the system, where the challenges of Covid have led to a depression of the salary cap. Proposals are on the table to lift the current limit on player spending from £5m per year back to the previous figure of £6.4m, but with most clubs recording major financial losses each season, a number are reluctant for the cap to rise again.

What Owen Farrell’s potential move to France says about the future of club rugby

Warren Gatland unsure if ‘freak’ Louis Rees-Zammit can crack NFL: ‘Good luck to him’

08:06 , Jack Rathborn

Wales boss Warren Gatland admits he has “no idea” if Louis Rees-Zammit will play rugby union again following his switch to American football.

While Wales prepare for a Six Nations opener against Scotland, Rees-Zammit will be concentrating on the NFL’s International Player Pathway in the hope of forging a gridiron career.

His move to the United States with immediate effect has left Wales and his club Gloucester without a box-office wing, whose try-scoring ability thrilled crowds on domestic, European and international stages.

Rees-Zammit’s rugby union career comes to a halt after winning 32 Wales caps and a World Cup campaign in France when he scored five tries.

Asked if the 22-year-old would come back to rugby one day, Gatland said: “No idea. There aren’t a lot of people who make it in the NFL who haven’t been brought up with the game and played it at a young age.

Warren Gatland unsure if ‘freak’ Louis Rees-Zammit can crack NFL: ‘Good luck to him’

Wales and Scotland name Six Nations squads amid Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell

08:05 , Jack Rathborn

Wales boss Warren Gatland named five uncapped players in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations while Scotland named four – including an ex-England international.

Both squad announcements, though, were overshadowed by Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit being released by Gloucester to pursue his dream of a career in the NFL.

For Wales, uncapped Cardiff quartet Cameron Winnett, Evan Lloyd, Alex Mann and Mackenzie Martin, plus Bath prop Archie Griffin, have all been included among a 34-strong group.

Wales and Scotland name Six Nations squads amid Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell