Ollie Chessum has deflected immediate speculation regarding the England captaincy, stating that while he relishes his growing leadership role, he views the position as one that “finds the right individual” rather than a target to actively pursue. The Leicester Tigers prop, who recently toured with the British and Irish Lions, emphasized his current focus on supporting skipper Maro Itoje. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Chessum acknowledged the ego boost of being tipped as a long-term successor but clarified that his ambitions are for the future, not the present.
Leicester star downplays immediate succession to Itoje, citing respect for current leadership.
Since making his England debut in February 2022, Chessum has secured 38 caps, establishing himself as a vital component of the national pack. His versatility, allowing him to operate effectively in both the second row and at blindside flanker, has cemented his status within the squad. Currently leading Leicester to the top of the Premiership table, Chessum is gaining valuable on-pitch leadership experience that he believes will serve him well in the long term, even as he continues to learn from Itoje and the experienced senior leadership group.
The comments underscore the depth of leadership talent within the current England setup, with Chessum highlighting the importance of respecting the incumbent captain. By framing the captaincy as a natural progression rather than a goal to chase, Chessum positions himself as a mature leader ready to step up when the time is right. His remarks provide clarity on his trajectory, signaling that while he is a future candidate, the immediate priority remains supporting Itoje and the team’s collective objectives.
Source: BBC Sport
