‘It would be pretty special’ – Chessum on England captaincy links

Ollie Chessum says he would welcome the chance to captain England in the future, but sees it as something that should come naturally rather than a role to pursue. The 26-year-old, who leads Leicester, is currently learning from captain Maro Itoje and England’s senior leadership group.

Chessum has won 38 England caps since his debut in 2022 and can play in the second row or at blindside flanker. He also said recent on-field clashes with England team-mates Ellis Genge and Henry Pollock during club matches have not affected their relationships in camp. Ahead of Sunday’s match against Australia, he acknowledged fans’ frustration with England’s recent results, including a difficult Six Nations, while expressing confidence in the squad’s potential.