Maro Itoje Returns for England XV; Welsh Crisis and Gregor Townsend’s Challenges

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 14, 2026 11:50 AM ET

As the 2026 Six Nations Championship progresses, key narratives are forming around the competition’s leading teams and players. England’s Maro Itoje is set to make a notable return to the field while Scotland’s coach Gregor Townsend faces significant pressure.

Maro Itoje Returns for England XV

England’s captain, Maro Itoje, will play in the starting lineup against Scotland on Saturday. His return comes after a personal loss; Itoje attended his mother Florence’s funeral in Nigeria, which limited his participation in earlier training sessions.

Itoje, who only supported his teammates during last weekend’s match against Wales, expressed excitement about rejoining the squad. “Being back with the team has been uplifting,” he stated. This emotional return adds a layer of significance to England’s ambition for a 13th consecutive victory.

He emphasized the pride associated with the Calcutta Cup match, a historic fixture that stirs fierce competition between the two neighboring nations. “It’s vital for us to take the Calcutta Cup home,” Itoje asserted, highlighting the team’s determination to reshape their narrative on the international stage.

Scotland’s Turbulent Times

On the opposite side, Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, is battling scrutiny after a disappointing loss to Italy. Despite his team’s poor performance, Townsend is determined to turn things around against England. He dismissed any thoughts of resigning, recognizing the significance of the upcoming game at Murrayfield.

Scotland has not lost to England at home in six years, raising the stakes for the team and its fans. “This is our biggest game of the season, particularly after a setback,” Townsend commented, underlining the importance of reclaiming momentum.

Wales Facing Challenges

The Welsh rugby team, grappling with a crisis, will face a formidable France on Sunday in Cardiff. After suffering a heavy loss to England (48-7), Wales is still seeking its first victory in the 2026 Six Nations. Their upcoming match marks a vital moment as they rely on support from the home crowd at Principality Stadium.

Match Day: Sunday
Opponent: France
Wales’ Previous Match: Lost to England 48-7

Coach Steve Tandy highlighted the crowd’s potential impact, stating, “The supporters are crucial to our performance. Our aim is to inspire them this weekend.”

Ireland’s Resolve

Ireland also seeks redemption after their opening match loss to France. They will host Italy on Saturday, aiming to reassert their dominance following two consecutive championship wins in 2023 and 2024.

Despite the defeat, coach Andy Farrell noted that the team has engaged in honest discussions to address their shortcomings. “We’re ready to put on a performance we can be proud of,” he declared, signaling Ireland’s intent to bounce back.

As the tournament unfolds, these narratives around Itoje’s return, Townsend’s struggles, and Wales’ crisis will shape the trajectory of the 2026 Six Nations Championship.