Maro Itoje is on the verge of earning his 100th cap for England but acknowledges that he may not have achieved this milestone without learning to navigate the “emotional turmoil” he experienced early in his rugby journey.
Ten years after his debut as a substitute against Italy, Itoje is set to become the ninth men’s Test centurion for the nation when Ireland comes to Allianz Stadium in round three of the Guinness Six Nations.
This will be a significant occasion for one of the prominent figures in English rugby, but reflecting on 2016, when he was an emerging talent with considerable expectations, he remembers encountering a pivotal challenge.
“At the beginning of my career, I likely lacked a complete understanding of how to manage the emotions leading up to a Test match,” the England captain stated.
“I recall thinking I wasn’t sure if I could handle this every week because I was subjecting myself to emotional distress.
“The game is a major event, but with all the emotional energy I was building towards it, I probably would have faced serious health issues if I hadn’t adjusted my preparation.”
Eddie Jones, who was Steve Borthwick’s predecessor as England head coach, handed Itoje his debut but was cautious about the buzz surrounding the 21-year-old second row, which led to his role on the bench against Italy in the opening match in Rome.
However, he was elevated to the starting lineup a week later, named man of the match against Wales in round four, and by the conclusion of his first Six Nations, he was a Grand Slam champion.
Describing his initial reluctance, Jones remarked: “He’s like a Vauxhall Viva now; we want to transform him into a BMW. He has a lot of work ahead, but he possesses potential.”
The Australian’s automotive metaphor has not been forgotten by Itoje.
When asked what he was thinking while on the sidelines at the Stadio Olimpico a decade ago, the British and Irish Lions captain said: “I suppose he was contemplating how to upgrade from a Vauxhall Viva! I don’t want to be driving a Vauxhall Viva for too long!”
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“It’s easy to reflect now and construct a narrative around it, as if it was all premeditated, etc. At that moment, I was simply focused on trying to secure my position in the team.
“Clearly, the team was performing exceptionally well, and there were several high-caliber locks — Courtney Lawes, George Kruis, and Joe Launchbury were all present.
“Achieving 100 caps is an incredible feeling. I am filled with pride, happiness, joy, and excitement. It is undoubtedly a significant milestone to reach.”
This celebratory occasion will also carry a sense of sadness following the passing of Itoje’s mother, Florence, last month, who was a supporter of his career and attended all of his matches both domestically and internationally.
“In many respects, it’s a wonderful milestone, but it will also be somewhat bittersweet that my mother is not here to see this,” Itoje, a practicing Christian, remarked.
“I know she would have cherished the event and everything surrounding it. She may not be physically present, but I am certain she will be there in spirit, cheering from above when England secures a dominant victory.”
