Chessum open to future England captaincy: 'It would be pretty special'

Ollie Chessum told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that he enjoys being an on-pitch leader and acknowledged links to the England captaincy ahead of England’s Test against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 8 November; "Of course, it would be a pretty special thing to do, I'm sure."

Chessum has won 38 caps since making his England debut in February 2022 and captains Premiership leaders Leicester, who he led while touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions last year. He is a regular in England's pack and can operate in both the second row and at blindside flanker, a versatility that has increased his prominence in selection discussions.

On the prospect of becoming captain, Chessum said: "While it's nice that people can tickle your ego a little bit and give you that compliment and I do really enjoy the leadership side of the game, it's certainly not one for now." He added: "It is maybe further down the line that I have leadership ambitions, but I feel like captaincy is not really something you go after. I feel like it's a role that almost finds the right individual." He also stressed the current situation within the squad, saying: "Right now we've got a very, very good captain in Maro and I'm picking his brains as part of an incredibly experienced senior leadership group."

Itoje, 32, was appointed as England captain in January 2025, taking over the role from Saracens team-mate Jamie George. Owen Farrell previously held the full-time role since 2019 before stepping back from Test rugby in late 2023 and then moving to France, becoming ineligible for international selection.

Chessum said there had been no problem moving past recent club altercations that involved team-mates. He acknowledged incidents during Tigers' win over Northampton, when he pushed Henry Pollock down the tunnel at half-time, and a separate brief confrontation with Bristol's Ellis Genge a week later, adding: "It's not difficult at all [to put all that behind you]." He described both men as close colleagues in camp: "They are two of my close mates in camp. Gengey is someone I've known for a number of years since he was my captain at Leicester and Henry's obviously someone I've got to know very well the last couple of years."

Chessum reflected on facing former team-mates: "Gengey was captain for the year we managed to win the Premiership under Steve [Borthwick]. It is strange coming up against him in a different shirt but I'd expect nothing less of Gengey than to try and get under your skin somehow. It's all part of the game. He loves it. You see the smile on his face as he's walking away from you in that game." He added: "I'd expect nothing less of them and they'd I'd hope would expect nothing less of me than to give 100% for whatever shirt I'm wearing."

England return to Allianz Stadium for the first time since February's 42-21 defeat by Ireland, described in the report as one of the lowlights of a miserable Six Nations campaign, having lost to world champions South Africa in July before registering wins over Fiji and Argentina.

Chessum addressed supporters' impatience and his view of the squad's resources: "I can totally understand the frustration because we as a group feel it. We've got a huge amount of talent in the room. We've got an incredible coaching set-up who couldn't really give us any more. We're constantly trying to improve and find ways, but we as a team have let ourselves down at times." He added: "But I am also hugely excited. The talent we got in this group hasn't really got a ceiling. Some of the young guys that are coming through and have only got a handful of caps, you can really see being part of this England team for a very, very long time." He concluded: "Couple that with the leadership we've got at the top with Maro, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, George Ford and those sorts of figures, and we've got a real good balance in the squad."

England face Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 8 November, kick-off 15:10 GMT; live commentary will be available on BBC Sports Extra and via the BBC Sport website and app.