England head coach Steve Borthwick publicly revealed Itoje as the national side’s new skipper late on Tuesday morning, saying he had offered the 30-year-old lock the role in a meeting in a “quiet spot” in London on Monday, and that “the smile that spread across his [Itoje’s] face could have lit up the whole of England.”
McCall said on Wednesday: “Jamie has been a brilliant captain for his country and when you get news like that, there is always going to be different emotions and disappointment is an obvious one – especially when you hear it less than 24 hours before it is announced and it takes you a little bit by surprise. When there is surprise there is always disappointment as well.
Maro Itoje finally gets his chance to prove Eddie Jones wrong
Read MoreSaracens have provided the last three captains of England to be regarded as formal appointments, in Owen Farrell, George and now Itoje.
The 34-year-old George’s time in charge of England was notable for how he kept his poise through the passing-away of his mother early last year, and his keenness to connect with supporters at Twickenham.
McCall said of Itoje: “Maro is as dedicated a player as I have come across, always working on his craft, always working at everything. Maro always knows the best way for him to lead is by actions, lots of important actions, and he has done that for years.
“While they have been here they have been able to rub shoulders with a lot of really wise senior players. All three of them were open to learning. They were part of the leadership development programme run by David Jones. He is very much under the radar, but they have all benefited.”
McCall also revealed Saracens’ Wales back Liam Williams will miss Sunday’s crucial Champions Cup pool match at home to Castres with “a bang on the knee”, although it is not said to be serious.
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