No. 8s Martin Corry and Michael Owen will lead England and Wales, respectively, in the Six Nations next week.
Corry takes over for Jason Robinson, who is out for the rest of the tournament after tearing a ligament in his right thumb in Sunday's 19-13 loss to Ireland.
Owen replaces fullback Gareth Thomas, who broke his thumb during Saturday's 28-14 victory over France in Paris.
Meanwhile, Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll said he was sure to be available to play France on March 12, even though a badly bruised elbow prevented him from leading the Northern Hemisphere against the South in the Asian tsunami relief match at Twickenham on Saturday.
England, which has lost its opening three Six Nations matches, hosts Italy at Twickenham on March 12, and Scotland a week later.
England coach Andy Robinson -- who traditionally names captains for one game at a time -- said Corry was a regular captain of club Leicester Tigers.
"Martin Corry has really impressed me with his performances for both England and Tigers this season," Robinson said on Thursday.
"He has had some outstanding games. Together with other forwards such as Ben Kay, he has supported Jason Robinson by offering great leadership from the back row. I know he will step up to this challenge for this important game against Italy."
Robinson named a 30-man squad which included callups for James Simpson-Daniel and Leon Lloyd. Simpson-Daniel has returned from a shoulder injury. Lloyd last played for England on its North American tour in 2001.
Robinson said Henry Paul and Mathew Tait -- the teenage center who started in England's opening 11-9 loss to Wales -- were not considered for selection because they were called into England's World Cup Sevens squad.
Wales play Scotland at Murrayfield on March 13, then meet Ireland six days later probably for the championship. Wales hasn't won the title since 1994, and Ireland not since 1985.
Owens, as vice captain, was tipped to become the skipper, after taking charge of Wales when Thomas left the field at halftime in Paris. Thomas will also miss the Ireland game.
"The current crop of players in the Welsh team is full of young leaders, but we are hoping the role will bring out the best in Michael, as it did during the second half against France," said Wales coach Mike Ruddock.
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