Sport: Rugby Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Maro Itoje excluded from England training squad for summer tour

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:06 AM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Maro Itoje excluded from England training squad for summer tour

Summary

Maro Itoje has been left out of England's training squad ahead of their summer tour. Head coach Steve Borthwick indicated ongoing discussions with Itoje about resting him for upcoming matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina. This decision follows a particularly demanding year for the 31-year-old, who led the British and Irish Lions to a series win last summer and faced personal challenges, including the death of his mother. A 26-player squad is set to train at Pennyhill Park this week in preparation for an uncapped match against a France XV on June 19. The squad features first-time call-ups for several uncapped players, including Will Hobson from Harlequins.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports Sky Sports

Status Watch

•England prepares for a summer tour with matches in South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.
•Itoje has been omitted due to discussions about resting him.
•Borthwick aims to manage player fatigue after a demanding year.
•First call-ups for players like Will Hobson and Nathan Jibulu.
•England faces an uncapped match against France XV on June 19.

Latest Updates

10:06 AMYahoo Sports — Maro Itoje left out of England training squad ahead of summer tour

What they're saying

"
England captain Maro Itoje has not been included in head coach Steve Borthwick's training squad ahead of July's Nations Championship amid "ongoing conversations" around the lock's involvement in the summer.
— Sky Sports