Maro Itoje says England are "ready to go" as they bid to upset the odds by launching their Six Nations campaign with a defeat of twice defending champions Ireland in Dublin.

England open Six Nations campaign against defending champions Ireland in Dublin on Saturday; Maro Itoje confident England can upset the odds and the defending champions on his first match as captain

Despite a mild-mannered persona, the new England captain has a reputation for playing risk and reward with officials

England have named Maro Itoje as their captain for the Six Nations - taking on the role from Jamie George - with World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio insisting any skipper must be deserving of a starti

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As England prepare to face Ireland in their opening game of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Maro Itoje prepares for his first game as captain.

Itoje, 30, has replaced Jamie George as captain heading into this year's Six Nations Championship. Itoje was also named Saracens skipper ahead of this season, and said his leadership approach is to combine leading and serving. "I want to serve the squad, serve the country, serve the staff, serve the fans in the role," Itoje said.

Interim boss Simon Easterby faces a key call at fly half, with Scotland and Italy also set to reveal their line-ups today

A capsule look at England, France, defending champion Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations, which starts on Friday.

Captain Maro Itoje says England can shrug off their poor recent form and deliver a surprise Six Nations Grand Slam.

BBC presenter Gabby Logan has suggested that neutral fans might shun TNT Sports if the Six Nations moves behind a paywall and that rugby union is “potentially shooting itself in the foot again”.

New captain Maro Itoje says England ‘ready to go’ as they target Ireland upset - England will take on the reigning Six Nations champions in Dublin this weekend.