Steve Borthwick rejects Ellis Genge, selects New England captain

William Hill have opened betting on who will captain England in their first Six Nations game versus Italy in Rome on 3^rd February, with the odds indicating that Saracens hooker George is at the top of Steve Borthwick’s pecking order.

With long-term captain Owen Farrell stepping away from England to prioritise his family's mental well-being, George has emerged as the most likely replacement, though fellow front-rower Genge (6/4) and fly-half Ford (5/2) also look bang in contention.

The only other candidate at single-figure odds is Maro Itoje, who can be backed at 8/1.

William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “Steve Borthwick will look to make a call on the England captaincy soon and the odds suggest it’s Jamie George who’s most likely to get the nod. 

“He’s odds-on at 1/2 to captain England in their opening Six Nations clash with Italy, which isn’t a huge surprise given the hooker’s experience.

“Ellis Genge, who’s second in the betting at 6/4, could be a slightly longer-term solution, but there are queries over his fitness due to a hamstring problem, while George Ford also looks to be  in the mix at 5/2.”

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Munster has officially revealed that 28-year-old Joey Carbery will bid farewell to the province at the conclusion of the season. The Reds are actively on the hunt for a high-caliber replacement at the out-half position to complement Jack Crowley in the upcoming term.

Rumors linking Carbery to a summer transfer to French club Bordeaux Begles had surfaced before Christmas, where the attacking game is steered by former Munster coach Noel McNamara.

Having been an integral part of Munster for nearly six years, Carbery, who also boasts an established international career with Ireland, is poised to make a significant impact with his potential move. The Men in Black could potentially secure a valuable addition in Carbery for the future.

In his usual fullback role, he showcases exceptional skills, yet his versatility extends to playing as a fly-half, winger, or inside centre.

Having initially joined Saracens on a brief stint in 2019, the playmaker missed the opportunity to leave a lasting mark when called up by South Africa as a replacement for the injured Jesse Kriel during the Rugby World Cup pool stage.

Since then, he has evolved into a formidable player, making him an excellent addition to the Saracens squad.

Lauded as a fly-half with sharp intellect both on and off the field, Garbisi is recognized for his astute rugby skills and decision-making prowess.

Balancing his rugby pursuits with a commitment to law studies, the young talent has already achieved notable milestones in his professional rugby journey, signaling a bright future in the sport.

As a current member of Montpellier, the prospect of him stepping in for Farrell makes for an enticing and exciting possibility.

Facing an uncertain future at Gloucester with contract renewal prospects looking bleak, the son of Scotland's rugby icon Gavin has grappled with injuries since becoming Kingsholm's marquee signing in 2022.

Despite the setbacks, his undeniable talent shines through.

A Scotland international, he might just be the kind of player Saracens could consider taking a gamble on, given his potential to be an exceptional talent at his peak.