“Jamie’s disappointed, as anybody would be. He’s a very proud Englishman and he’s led the team over the last 12 months with a great deal of pride. So there’s disappointment. One of Jamie’s great strengths as a leader, as a person, as a player, is that he’s always put the team first. Having spoken to him, that’s what his intent is.

“If you ask any coach, the preference would always be to have the captain on for 80 minutes. That’s not always possible and there are plenty of exceptions to that case. But I generally think that would generally be most coaches’ preferences.”

ROUND ONE (all times GMT)

France v Wales, Friday 31 January – (8.15pm) – Live on ITV

Scotland v Italy, Saturday 1 February – (2:15pm) – Live on BBC

Ireland v England, Saturday 1 February – (4:45pm) – Live on ITV

Italy v Wales, Saturday 8 February – (2:15pm) – Live on ITV

England v France, Saturday 8 February – (4:45pm) – Live on ITV

Scotland v Ireland, Sunday 9 February – (3pm) – Live on BBC

Wales v Ireland, Saturday 22 February – (2:15pm) – Live on BBC

England v Scotland, Saturday 22 February – (4:45pm) – Live on ITV

Italy v France, Sunday 23 February – (3pm) – Live on ITV

Ireland v France, Saturday 8 March – (2:15pm) – Live on ITV

Scotland v Wales, Saturday 8 March – (4:45pm) – Live on BBC

England v Italy, Sunday 9 March – (3pm) – Live on ITV

Italy v Ireland, Saturday 15 March – (2:15pm) – Live on ITV

Wales v England, Saturday 15 March – (4:45pm) – Live on BBC

France v Scotland, Saturday 15 March – (8pm) – Live on ITV

Centre: Oscar Beard, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade

Back three: Elliot Daly, Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck, Ollie Sleightholme, Freddie Steward.

Scrum half: Alex Mitchell, Harry Randall, Jack van Poortvliet

Fly half: George Ford, Marcus Smith, Fin Smith

Lock: Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Alex Coles, Ollie Chessum

Back Row: Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ted Hill, Tom Willis

Loosehead prop: Fin Baxter, Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd

Hooker: Jamie George, Theo Dan, Luke Cowan-Dickie

Tighthead prop: Will Stuart, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Joe Heyes

Ahead of the autumn, I sat down with the new England captain out in Girona to chat the Lions, leadership and politics:

“I’ve selected a squad where every player brings something unique to the group,” said Borthwick.

“The Six Nations is always a fiercely contested and exciting tournament, and this year will be no exception.

“We’re looking forward to the squad coming together in Girona to kick off our preparations for the opening challenge against Ireland in Dublin.”

Some intriguing names among the list of players released by England as rehabilitating, including uncapped pair Afolabi Fasogbon, who has been tearing up trees at tighthead for Gloucester, and Gabriel Ibitoye, such a captivating performer on the wing for Bristol.

More significant, though, is the absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank and Sam Underhill – the trio all would likely have started England’s opener against Ireland in Dublin.

Rehabilitation: Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), and Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby).

“With 88 England caps, Maro has been a central figure in this squad for many years, bringing a vast amount of experience both on and off the field.

“He’s a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.

“His strong rapport with the squad and coaches, combined with his leadership experience at Saracens, makes him ideally placed to take on this responsibility.

“I’d like to recognise the outstanding leadership of Jamie George, whose contributions as captain have been significant and will continue to play an important role as a vice-captain.”