Ollie Chessum says he relishes being an on-pitch leader after being tipped as a long-term successor to England skipper Maro Itoje. Chessum, who captains Premiership table-toppers Leicester and toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions, has become a key part of England's pack, able to operate in both the second row and at blindside flanker.
"While it's nice that people can tickle your ego a little bit... it's certainly not one for now," Chessum told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. He feels captaincy is a role that "almost finds the right individual" and says he is picking Itoje's brains as part of an experienced senior leadership group. Itoje, 32, took over from Jamie George in January 2025.
The 26-year-old played down recent club skirmishes with Northampton and Bristol's Ellis Genge, calling them close mates in camp. Chessum acknowledged that patience among Twickenham patrons may be wearing thin, admitting England have let themselves down at times. Yet he remains hugely excited, citing the squad's talent and leadership from Itoje, Genge, Jamie George and George Ford as a "real good balance."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing