England Rugby: Maro Itoje rested for Nations Championship with Benhard Janse van Rensburg one of five uncapped players called up

England head coach Steve Borthwick has rested captain Maro Itoje for the inaugural Nations Championship, with Jamie George set to lead the side for their summer fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.

George captained England for 12 Tests in 2024 before Itoje took over the following year and will take the reins again in his Saracens team-mate's absence.

Borthwick had previously expressed a desire to rest Itoje after what he called a "challenging year", including a British and Irish Lions tour, a demanding Six Nations campaign and the death of his mother in November.

Highly-rated South Africa-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg looks set for his debut during the summer after being included in the squad, though will only be eligible for selection on July 8, four days after England's opening match of the tournament against world champions South Africa.

Bristol's Van Rensburg is one of five uncapped players included, as Saracens winger Noah Caluori, Exeter back row Greg Fisilau and props George Kloska and Vilikesa Sela also make the 36-man cut.