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

Maro Itoje says England are “ready to go” as they target an upset victory over Ireland that would launch their Guinness Six Nations in style.

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.

Maro Itoje landed in Ireland on Thursday night ahead of England’s mission impossible on Saturday, insisting his side can storm Dublin. Itoje’s side are up against an Ireland side chasing a record third Six Nations title on the spin this weekend and on the back of a dismal run of results.

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

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.

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

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

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”.

Maro Itoje says England are “ready to go” as they target an upset victory over Ireland that would launch their Guinness Six Nations in style.Itoje leads the team for the first time after taking over the captaincy from Jamie George and has been presented with a daunting first assignment against the champions in Dublin on Saturday.