Maro Itoje Returns as England Name Nations Championship Training Squad

Maro Itoje has returned to the England set-up after Steve Borthwick named a 36-man training squad ahead of this autumn’s Nations Championship fixtures.

The Saracens second row sat out England’s July matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after being given an extended summer break, his first significant period away from rugby in more than a decade. Itoje is now expected to resume his role as captain when England return to the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, to face Australia on Sunday 8th November.

Watch England in the Nations Championship with Eventmasters

Itoje’s return comes ahead of three major home Tests for England, with Eventmasters offering Nations Championship hospitality for matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, this November. Guests can choose from hospitality options including the Twickenham Stoop and Private Box packages, with premium food and drink and a first-class setting for England’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign.

International rugby will then return early in 2027 with the Guinness Six Nations, where Eventmasters also offers hospitality for England’s three Twickenham fixtures against France, Italy and Scotland. The two tournaments provide several opportunities to see Borthwick’s side at home as England continue towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Itoje Back After Extended Summer Break

Itoje was absent from England duty throughout July, allowing the 31-year-old to recover following a demanding period for both club and country.

It was the first time in more than a decade that Itoje had been able to have a prolonged summer away from the sport. His absence followed a difficult Six Nations campaign in which England managed only one victory, while Itoje had also suffered the death of his mother shortly before the tournament.

Speaking recently about the decision to take time away, Itoje said: “I feel very good for it; I don’t regret it at all.” He also explained that the mental recovery provided by the break had been particularly significant after a demanding year.

His return gives Borthwick one of England’s most experienced forwards back ahead of a busy November. Itoje is expected to reclaim the captaincy from Jamie George, who led the side during the summer fixtures.

England Prepare for Three Twickenham Tests

England’s players will come together on Sunday for their first training camp since the summer, beginning preparations for three consecutive Nations Championship fixtures at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Australia provide the opposition on Sunday 8th November before England face Japan six days later on Saturday 14th November. Their final home fixture of the competition will see New Zealand arrive at Twickenham on Saturday 21st November. All three fixtures form part of the inaugural Nations Championship.

The return of Itoje strengthens an experienced forward group that also includes Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Underhill. There are also opportunities for several younger players, including Henry Pollock, Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Bath hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu.

In the backs, George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith are all included, while Elliot Daly returns to the squad. Tobias Elliott and Archie McParland have also been selected as Borthwick continues to assess his options.

Lawes and Marchant Made to Wait

Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant are both eligible for England selection again after returning to English club rugby, but neither has been included in the latest training squad.

Lawes has returned following his spell with Brive, while Marchant is available again after leaving Stade Francais. Borthwick is understood to want both players to establish themselves back in the Gallagher Prem before considering them for an international recall.

Jamie George and Ollie Chessum will still join the England camp despite currently working through injury issues. George has a groin problem, while Chessum is recovering from a foot injury, with both listed as rehabilitation players rather than members of the main 36-man group.

England’s 36-Man Training Squad

Forwards: Fin Baxter, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Greg Fisilau, Joe Heyes, Maro Itoje, Emmanuel Iyogun, George Kloska, George Martin, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Will Stuart, Kepueli Tuipulotu, Sam Underhill.

Backs: Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, Tobias Elliott, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Archie McParland, Cadan Murley, Harry Randall, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet.

Rehabilitation: Jamie George, Ollie Chessum.

Six Nations Next for England in 2027

Once the Nations Championship concludes, attention will quickly turn towards the 2027 Guinness Six Nations.

England begin their campaign away against Ireland on Friday 5th February before their first home match against France on Sunday 14th February. Italy visit the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 20th February, while England’s final home game sees Scotland arrive for the Calcutta Cup on Saturday 13th March.

Eventmasters offers Six Nations hospitality at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for England against France, Italy and Scotland, alongside hospitality opportunities for selected fixtures elsewhere in the Championship. With Itoje now returning to the national set-up, England’s preparations for another major season of international rugby are beginning to take shape.

England Rugby FAQs

When will Maro Itoje return for England?

Maro Itoje has been named in England’s latest training squad and is expected to return to competitive international action against Australia at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday 8th November 2026.

Who will England play in the Nations Championship at Twickenham?

England will face Australia on Sunday 8th November, Japan on Saturday 14th November and New Zealand on Saturday 21st November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Is Maro Itoje still England captain?

Itoje is expected to resume the England captaincy for the Nations Championship match against Australia after Jamie George captained the team during the summer fixtures.

Who will England play at Twickenham in the 2027 Six Nations?

England’s three home fixtures in the 2027 Six Nations are against France on Sunday 14th February, Italy on Saturday 20th February and Scotland on Saturday 13th March.

Can I book England rugby hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers VIP hospitality for England’s 2026 Nations Championship fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Hospitality is also available for England’s home matches against France, Italy and Scotland during the 2027 Guinness Six Nations.