ReportGeneralSuperSport Rugby15 Jun

Itoje rested again as England name squad for France non-cap clash

Maro Itoje is again absent from England's squad for Friday's non-cap match against France in Vannes, with Borthwick managing his workload ahead of a July tour that includes a Test against South Africa.

Maro Itoje remains absent from England's 33-man squad for Friday's non-cap international against France in Vannes, with Steve Borthwick managing the captain's workload after a demanding season in which he played more than 30 matches for the second consecutive year. Itoje is also a candidate to be rested for part or all of England's July tour, which includes Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

His omission follows a similar exclusion from last week's initial training group. With Bath and Leicester now eliminated from the Premiership play-offs, Ollie Chessum, George Martin and Charlie Ewels have been added to provide second-row cover.

Bath flanker Sam Underhill is absent with a potential operation pending for an undisclosed injury. Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence are also left out, while Max Ojomoh returns to the squad for the Vannes fixture.

Sources

SuperSport Rugbyhttps://supersport.com/rugby/news/d1395da1-2163-4abb-aa3e-c8b14f82c732/itoje-remains-absent-from-england-squad-ahead-of-france-clash

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