Six Nations: England captaincy can ‘elevate’ Maro Itoje’s level, says Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne

Ireland forward Tadhg Beirne believes the England captaincy will be a benefit, not a burden, to Maro Itoje during the Six Nations.

Hooker Jamie George had served as Steve Borthwick’s skipper since the 2023 World Cup but the role has been passed on to his Saracens team-mate for this campaign.

Beirne, who was a British and Irish Lions team-mate of the 30-year-old lock in South Africa four years ago, thinks Itoje can be “the reason a team ticks”.

“He’s a phenomenal player, he’s shown that throughout his career,” said Beirne.

“He’s someone who certainly lives on the edge, and sometimes he probably gets caught on that, but I think his influence on games is often very positive and I think he can be the reason a team ticks and a reason they win games, because of the influence he can have on the game.

“He’s that type of player and being in that captain’s role for England now, I’m sure it will elevate his performance even more.

“It often does bring out the best in players and he’ll probably be no different.”