Maro Itoje rested, Noah Caluori among five uncapped England players
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 3:58 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
England rugby captain Maro Itoje will miss the Test against South Africa on July 4, having been rested from the summer's Nations Championship. Itoje, who has been a key player for England, is taking a break after exceeding World Rugby's recommendation for game appearances. Hooker Jamie George will lead a squad featuring five uncapped players, including Saracens' 19-year-old Noah Caluori, who topped the Prem try-scoring charts this season. The team, under head coach Steve Borthwick, is preparing for matches in challenging conditions against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina this summer.
- •Itoje rested due to exceeding World Rugby's game limit.
- •Jamie George will captain the team against South Africa.
- •Noah Caluori earns his first call-up after strong club performance.
- •England faces South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina this summer.
- •Borthwick emphasizes a blend of experience and youth in selection.
- 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — England resting captain Maro Itoje during Nations Championship in July
- 4:17 PMYahoo Sports — Itoje rested as Caluori among five England call-ups
- 3:58 PMBBC Sport — Itoje rested as Caluori among five England call-ups
"England captain Maro Itoje will miss the Nations Championship in July. The decision to rest him was confirmed on Monday when coach Steve Borthwick named his squad. The 31-year-old Itoje has played more than World Rugby's recommended 30 matches per season in the past two.
"England captain Maro Itoje will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July after being left out of the entirety of the summer's Nations Championship action.
"England captain Maro Itoje will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July after being left out of the entirety of the summer's Nations Championship action.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 7:05 PMEngland resting captain Maro Itoje during Nations Championship in July
England captain Maro Itoje will miss the Nations Championship in July. The decision to rest him was confirmed on Monday when coach Steve Borthwick named his squad. The 31-year-old Itoje has played more than World Rugby's recommended 30 matches per season in the past two.
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 4:17 PMItoje rested as Caluori among five England call-ups
England captain Maro Itoje will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July after being left out of the entirety of the summer's Nations Championship action.
- BBC SportJun 22, 2026, 3:58 PMItoje rested as Caluori among five England call-ups
England captain Maro Itoje will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July after being left out of the entirety of the summer's Nations Championship action.
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