Overview
- Borthwick confirmed on Wednesday that Itoje has been left out of England’s training squad and is expected to miss the non-cap France XV game in Vannes and the July Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
- The decision is driven by Itoje’s intense workload—he has more Test minutes than any player in the past decade—and recent personal hardship following the death of his mother.
- England will delay the final call until after George Martin and Alex Coles play later this week because an injury to either would force the selectors to retain Itoje for depth in the second row.
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been picked to come off the bench in the non-cap Vannes match despite his formal residency qualification not taking effect until July 8, because the fixture does not count as a Test.
- If Martin and Coles remain fit, the move gives Itoje a managed recovery and keeps England’s leadership options intact, while an injury to a lock would immediately change selection and preparations for the July 4 opener.