In the world of English rugby, the captaincy debate is heating up as we approach the Nations Championship. With Steve Borthwick's recent admission about Maro Itoje's potential rest, the door is open for a new leader to step up. This article delves into the intriguing possibilities and offers a unique perspective on who might don the armband.
The Front-Runner: Ollie Chessum
Ollie Chessum is a name that has been on many lips lately, and for good reason. His leadership qualities have been on full display, driving Leicester's 'us against the world' mentality. The way he commands the field, especially in high-pressure situations like the East Midlands derby, is a testament to his emotional intelligence and ability to inspire. Borthwick, I believe, is looking for exactly this kind of attitude to infuse the team with a winning spirit.
Chessum's performance in the Six Nations, particularly against France, was nothing short of monstrous. He's a guaranteed starter moving forward, and his leadership skills cannot be overlooked. With an eye on the future, beyond the 2027 World Cup, Chessum seems like the perfect candidate to take on the captaincy. After all, England has a history of grooming future leaders, and Chessum fits that mold.
In the Mix: Jamie George and Ellis Genge
Just below Chessum on the leadership ladder are Jamie George and Ellis Genge. These two are not only vice-captains but have also captained the Test side in the past. Their experience and familiarity with the role make them strong contenders. With Borthwick likely to rest some key players, George and Genge's caps count of 105 and 80, respectively, could be a deciding factor.
Both players are almost certain starters in their respective positions, and Borthwick might see this as an opportunity to give them a well-deserved break while still having strong leadership on the field.
Outside Bets: George Ford, Ben Earl, and Tom Curry
Looking further down the list, we have some intriguing options. George Ford, with his experience as a co-captain and sole captain last summer, is an obvious choice. However, his starting position is not guaranteed, which could work against him.
Ben Earl and Tom Curry are also in the mix. Both have been part of the leadership group and have a good number of Test caps. Earl, at just 28, could be a long-term captaincy option post-2027. Curry, on the other hand, might need a break to avoid long-term injuries, but his experience and skill make him a strong candidate.
A New Era of Leadership
As we look towards the future, it's clear that England is not short of leadership options. The potential rest of Maro Itoje opens up a new chapter in English rugby, where the next generation of leaders will step up. Whether it's Chessum, George, Genge, Ford, Earl, or Curry, each brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. This summer tour will be an exciting showcase of England's depth and the potential for a new era of leadership.
Personally, I think the decision will be a tough one for Borthwick, but it's a good problem to have. With so many capable leaders, England is in a strong position to continue its legacy of success.
