Maro Itoje: 'A lot of players get their first shot through someone else’s misfortune'

England captain Maro Itoje believes a rash of injuries can provide a launchpad for new players to make their international breakthrough during the Six Nations, while head coach Steve Borthwick hopes to see Jamie George return against Scotland.

Hooker George, who Itoje replaced as skipper ahead of the 2025 tournament, dropped out on Tuesday along with Alex Coles, Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Dombrandt and Alex Mitchell.

The loss of the quintet the week before England begin their campaign away to defending champions Ireland in Dublin came as a blow, with the likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank and Sam Underhill already sidelined.

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But Itoje backed England’s squad depth to shine through.

“Obviously I feel for any player who gets called and all of a sudden they’re injured, and they miss that opportunity,” Itoje said.

“But we have a quality team. Injuries present opportunities. A lot of players get their first shot through someone else’s misfortune. It’s exciting, the guys who are coming in are quality.”

The loss of 97-cap hooker George was a bitter blow, with the 34-year-old a key part of the leadership group as vice-captain.

But Borthwick was hopeful George can still make his mark on the tournament and recover in time for the Calcutta Cup against Scotland at Twickenham on 22 February.

“Jamie’s experience, his ability, all those factors mean we are very disappointed he’s not available for the first few weeks of the tournament. Hopefully only the first couple of weeks,” Borthwick said.

“I’m really disappointed for him, because he’s a proud man who represents England with enormous determination.

“I spoke to him on the phone yesterday and sensed that determination to get back fit ASAP. We’re looking forward to seeing him back on the grass.”

Five new faces have been added to Borthwick’s ranks: Curtis Langdon, Arthur Clark, Ben Spencer, Raffi Quirke and young flanker Henry Pollock.

The latter’s addition to the squad was a source of particular intrigue after his impressive emergence at Northampton Saints this season.

Openside flanker Pollock, one of four uncapped players in the squad alongside Clark, Oscar Beard and Caden Murley, has shown great promise and Itoje was pleased to see him get a chance to shine.

“Henry is a very exciting young player, he plays the game with a tenacity and ferocity that is good to see,” Itoje added.

“I’m glad to see him progressing so well. I’m sad for the guys who are injured, but I’m happy someone of his quality is coming in. I’m sure he’s going to bring his game.

“In terms of advice, I would just say embrace it. Embrace the moment, attack every moment, as he has been doing for the last year or so. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing and dial it up a bit.”