'It's how you speak to a mate' - Smith and Itoje brush off on-pitch row

England fly-half Fin Smith says he and captain Maro Itoje have been joking about their on-field argument in defeat away to Italy last weekend, and insists it is indicative of the strength of their relationship.

“England fly-half Fin Smith says he and captain Maro Itoje have been joking about their on-field argument in defeat away to Italy last weekend, and insists it is indicative of the strength of their relationship”

BBC

Itoje was picked up on the referee's microphone shouting at Smith "don't argue with me, take the three" as the pair and other players discussed whether to kick for the corner or for goal from a penalty early in the second half.

BBC

Smith told Rugby Union Weekly that he was unaware a lot had been made of the incident and that Itoje was well within his rights to put his foot down and tell them what they were doing.

The exchange has become a running in-camp gag in the build-up to England's final-round meeting with France on Saturday.

Smith emphasised that Itoje is a "great mate" and that their on-field language reflects how you speak to a good mate or a brother, saying the captain makes the final decision around penalties.

The pair have been joking about settling a difference of opinion physically rather than verbally, with Smith saying "if he shouts at me like that again, I'm going to punch him!"

BBC

The article notes the physical contrast between them, listing Smith, 5ft 11in, 13st 13lb and 15 caps, and Itoje, 6ft 5in, 18st 8lb, 101 caps.

Itoje, usually composed, laughed that he "didn't really lose it!" and said "Fin is my guy," explaining he seeks input from key decision-makers and welcomed team members expressing views.

England have had cause for frank discussions during this Six Nations after three successive defeats left their title aspirations in tatters.

“England fly-half Fin Smith says he and captain Maro Itoje have been joking about their on-field argument in defeat away to Italy last weekend, and insists it is indicative of the strength of their relationship”

BBC

Another defeat against France would mean England finish with a return of one win from a Six Nations campaign for the first time since the tournament expanded in 2000.

The article notes England have only lost four games in a single edition of the 143-year-old championship twice previously - in 1972 and 1976.

Smith, 23, said coping with the Rome defeat has been an unfamiliar test of handling adversity in an England shirt and likened the feeling to grief.

He reflected on earlier highs, noting he made his first England start in the victory over France last year at the beginning of a 12-match winning streak, won the Premiership title with Northampton in 2024 and reached the Investec Champions Cup final in 2025, and was picked for the British and Irish Lions squad which toured Australia last summer.

BBC

Smith said trying to park the emotions and prepare for a major game has been useful for the group and that he believes they will have grown and learned a lot about themselves.