Borthwick: Itoje May Need to Miss Nations Championship to Rest The news that Maro Itoje may miss the inaugural Nations Championship Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina has sent shockwaves through English rugby.
The captain's potential absence has sparked a wider debate about player welfare, squad management, and the brutal realities of the modern game.
Itoje's grueling schedule over the past two seasons, exceeding 30 matches each campaign, has taken its toll on his body. Lingering concussion symptoms and a knee injury have made it clear that he needs a break.