George North.



He’s kept his promise.“I’m so proud of him. In a sport that requires ferocious power and unrelenting drive, it is no surprise that the hulking figure of Maro Itoje has become England’s latest rugby sensation.Although his 6ft 5in, 18st 4lb physique suggests a lifetime spent in the gym in pursuit of his dream, however, he is just as likely to be found writing poetry while his friends practise on the pitch.Other perhaps surprising interests include classical singing, the opera, visiting art galleries and debating foreign policy.But a glance at the aspirational background of this 21-year-old son of immigrant parents from Nigeria shows that he is no ordinary sportsman.His eye-catching talent as a youngster saw him awarded a sports scholarship to £36,000-a-year public school Harrow.With it came a warning from his parents that if he neglected his studies he could forget about rugby.As well as being told to put his schoolwork first, he was also given stern advice that he would have to ‘fight extra hard’ for opportunities because he belonged to an ethnic minority.Maro Itoje takes part in an England rugby training session in Bagshot, SurreyHe has already captained his club side Saracens in the Aviva Premiership, and captained England’s under-20 side during their victory at the Junior World Championship in 2014.In keeping with his family’s advice, Itoje – nicknamed ‘the chosen one’ by teammates – shuns partying and insists that rugby is just one in a long list of interests.He was born in Camden, North London, after his parents Efe and Florence moved to Britain after marrying in Nigeria.While studying at St George’s, a boarding school in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, Itoje represented youth national teams in shot-put and basketball.His physicality, however, saw him earmarked as a natural rugby player and he was awarded a bursary to Harrow at the age of 16 despite his limited experience.The move came with that stern warning from his father, a special needs teacher, who told him that his schoolwork was more important.Mr Itoje, 48, once said: ‘I made it quite clear from a very early stage that if his grades dropped, the rugby stopped.“I told him he needed to make a decision.

As I grew up I realised the importance of it.”Unlike many leading sportsmen, Itoje is open about his wide breadth of hobbies, which also include enjoying cricket and even listening to gangster rap.He is also a devout Christian, thanking God for his call-up to the England national squad in January and once posting a picture of the New Testament on a social media account.The player is unashamed to share his views on controversial topics, such as foreign aid, which he had previously described as causing ‘more damage than good’ in Africa.He said: “It breeds dependency.

Maro Itoje is an extremely impressive young man. Maro Itoje has followed Owen Farrell and other England stars in committing his future to Saracens despite the club's relegation to the Championship over … Maro Itoje may have just become England's highest paid rugby player RugbyPass is the premier destination for rugby fans across the globe, with the best news, analysis, shows, highlights, podcasts, documentaries, live match & player stats, live blog feeds, and in some territories live streaming of the world's greatest rugby tournaments all in HD.
‘For my family, education is highly important and as a result they ensured that my studies never diminished due to my sporting commitments,’ he said.“Not just me, but I think 99 per cent of kids would rather play football or rugby than do their homework. His achievements over the last 12 months alone are enough to infuse even the harshest sceptics with a sense of admiration. Scorpios.

Celebrities including Rochelle Humes and Tinie Tempah have opened up about their experiences of racism, with the rapper claiming young black men are “constantly targeted” by police.

He plays rugby, writes poems, studies politics and has a keen interest in the economic happenings of Nigeria.

Maro Itoje takes part in an England rugby training session in Bagshot, Surrey The player heeded the wise words and was yesterday hailed as a future England captain after being included for the first time in the starting line-up of the Six Nations team that will play Ireland tomorrow. He’s been blessed with natural talent and he’s a role model as well.

Jamie Elliott. EDDIE JONES believes that Maro Itoje needs more captain experience if he is to lead the Lions next summer. EDDIE JONES believes that Maro Itoje needs more captain experience if he is to lead the Lions next summer.


He was quite unusual in that respect,” he added.Itoje is congratulated by Eddie Jones, the head coach of England, following his debut cap during the team’s 40-9 victory during the Six Nations match against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on February 14“We instilled the need to be the best he can be and he’s certainly delivered on that front. It does not help make economies independent or standalone.“There are so many misconceptions about foreign aid. He didn’t want to go partying like other teenagers. Maro Itoje Popularity . Early life. England lock Maro Itoje has signed a new "long-term" contract at Saracens.

It breeds inefficiencies in the economy.

Maro Itoje Is A Member Of . Warren Gatland floated the idea of the 25-year-old becoming a Test captain when they tour South Africa. Most Popular #39296. 25 Year Old Rugby Player #1. 25 Year Olds.

Itoje has been described by many as a hard-working player and also as a team leader, with many writers claiming him to be a "star player".

The ‘married couple’ of the England scrum They are a devastating second-row partnership.