Maro Itoje, the English rugby player, is determined to achieve the level of success that Martin Johnson reached while playing for the national team. Currently tied with Johnson at 84 caps, Itoje will move up to 13th place in the list of national caps holders when he plays against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
Although Johnson led England to a World Cup victory in 2003, Itoje has also had significant achievements in his career, such as reaching a World Cup final and a semi-final, as well as winning three Six Nations titles. Despite facing the All Blacks eight times and only winning twice, Itoje is eager to instill a winning mentality in his team, reminiscent of Johnson’s era.
Itoje emphasized the importance of not just accumulating caps but also focusing on winning matches, especially against tough opponents like the southern hemisphere teams. He expressed his desire to be part of successful England teams and contribute to their victories.
In addition to his on-field performance, Itoje was recently one of the players involved in negotiating enhanced contracts for the England team. Concerns were raised about player welfare, particularly regarding rest periods for international players. With the new contracts in place, there is a greater emphasis on managing players’ game time to prevent exceeding limits, especially in World Cup and Lions tour years.
Itoje highlighted the challenges of balancing club and international commitments, especially during intense rugby seasons. The implementation of enhanced contracts aims to provide a more structured approach to managing player workload and ensuring their well-being throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Itoje remains focused on his personal development and contributing to England’s success on the field. By prioritizing winning and strategic game management, he aims to leave a lasting impact on the national team and continue to strive for excellence in his career.