England lock Ollie Chessum has addressed speculation linking him with the national team captaincy, saying he enjoys leadership but insists the role is not something he is actively pursuing at this stage.
Chessum, 26, has won 38 caps since his debut in February 2022 and captains Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers. He also toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2025. Current England captain Maro Itoje, 32, took over the role in January 2025 from Jamie George, while Owen Farrell stepped back from Test rugby in late 2023.
"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," Chessum told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "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."
Chessum also downplayed recent on-field clashes with teammates during club matches, including a half-time skirmish with Northampton's Henry Pollock and a brief confrontation with Bristol's Ellis Genge. "It's not difficult at all [to put all that behind you]," he said. "They are two of my close mates in camp."
England face Australia on Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 15:10 GMT at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The match marks England's return to the venue since a 42-21 defeat by Ireland in February, part of a disappointing Six Nations campaign. England lost to world champions South Africa in July before recording wins over Fiji and Argentina.
Chessum acknowledged fan frustration but expressed optimism about the squad's potential. "We've got a huge amount of talent in the room... The talent we got in this group hasn't really got a ceiling," he said, highlighting the balance of youth and experienced leaders like Itoje, Genge, Jamie George and George Ford.
