England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named Sharks stars Tom Curry and Tom Roebuck in his team to play Italy at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 7th March (kick-off 4.40pm GMT, live on ITV1).
Maro Itoje will captain a side which features nine personnel changes from the starting XV that faced Ireland in the third round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, with Jamie George, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Roebuck and Elliot Daly all coming into the team, while Tommy Freeman moves from the wing to centre.
Luke Cowan-Dickie and Bevan Rodd will start the game on the bench, while Saracens no. 8 Ben Earl will win his 50th cap for England, having made his debut against Scotland in 2020.
“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick.
“We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe willdeliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”
On Earl’s milestone, Borthwick added: “To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances. He’s an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It’s a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of.”
ITALY v ENGLAND
Saturday 7 March 2026
Stadio Olimpico
Kick-off: 4.40pm GMT
15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 74 caps)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 10 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 25 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 2 caps)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 4 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 78 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 108 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 100 caps) – captain
5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 68 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 49 caps)
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 33 caps)
20. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 48 caps)
