Itoje will become only the ninth men's player in history to reach the milestone, when England take on Ireland in their Six Nations match on Saturday.

It was the sight that no English rugby fan wanted to see. After 80 gruelling minutes at Welford Road last Sunday, Maro Itoje sunk to a knee, the lock clearly spent. It takes a lot to bow the England ...

Saracens hooker Jamie George – captain in Itoje’s absence – is given a replacement’s role against Scotland.