Maro Itoje has been named captain of the British & Irish Lions, leading the team on their summer tour to Australia.
Proving Old Doubts Wrong
Former England coach Eddie Jones once wrote that he “wasn’t sure Maro is a future England captain.”
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He believed Itoje was too introverted and lacked the necessary influence off the pitch. The comment has lingered and made an impact.
Today, Itoje looks back at the words as both hurtful and wrong. “I felt it was a misdiagnosis of who I am,” he says.
He explains that most people around him at the time immediately recognized that the assessment did not match the reality.
A Historic Appointment
With his appointment, Maro Itoje becomes the first Black captain in Lions history.
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His path to the role was cleared when Ireland’s Caelan Doris had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.
Lions coach Andy Farrell pointed to the need for “a special person” to lead the team on their tour to Australia – and the choice quickly fell on Itoje.
He has previously captained England’s U20 team, leading them to victory at the Junior World Cup in 2014, and has since been a key player for both Saracens and the England senior team.
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On Wednesday, Itoje had dinner with former Lions captains in London – an experience that left a lasting impression.
“It’s a brotherhood, a unique club, and feeling the love and respect they still have for the Lions was just incredible,” he said.
Now, the ultimate task awaits in the red shirt – and another chance to prove that he is much more than a man with physical strength. He is also a leader.
Source: Rugby365
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