England rest captain Itoje, call up five uncapped players for Nations Championship
6 reported
England captain Maro Itoje has been rested and will miss the Test against South Africa on 4 July, according to a report from BBC News. The 31-year-old has played more than the recommended 30 games a season in each of his past two campaigns. Hooker Jamie George will lead a side that includes five uncapped players this summer. Among the new call-ups is Saracens teenage wing Noah Caluori, who finished joint top of the Premiership try-scoring charts with 18 this season. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a South African-born Bristol centre, is also included and will become eligible for England on residency grounds in time for Tests against Fiji and Argentina. Head coach Steve Borthwick said the squad has a good blend of experience and emerging talent. The Nations Championship will see England play South Africa in Johannesburg, Fiji in Liverpool, and Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
What’s reported
Maro Itoje has been rested and will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July.
Itoje breached World Rugby's recommendation of playing only 30 games a season in each of his past two campaigns.
Jamie George will captain the side, which includes five uncapped players.
Noah Caluori, a 19-year-old Saracens wing, is among the call-ups and finished joint top of the Premiership try-scoring charts with 18 this season.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg will become eligible for England on residency grounds in time for Tests against Fiji and Argentina.
England will play South Africa in Johannesburg, Fiji in Liverpool, and Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
Key figures
Maro Itoje (England captain, rested)
Jamie George (hooker, captain)
Noah Caluori (Saracens wing, uncapped)
Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol centre, uncapped)
Steve Borthwick (England head coach)
Sources: BBC News
