Maro Itoje is one of seven uncapped players in Eddie Jones’ England squad and until recently, he was a nervous wreck that suffered sleepless nights before matches. Now the man who looks to be an England international for a long time is a calm, collected and more mature man than back then.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the 21-year-old star said:
I have learned how to control my nerves a lot better and I am no longer agitated or worried. I have clarity of thought.
This is a great improvement for the youngster because it means that he can continue his rapid rate of progress and help Saracens to win even more silverware this season. He has already been mixing in with some of the greatest players on the planet in the European Champions Cup and has been able to excel to the challenge every time.
However, Itoje is not just a rugby player. He is also a man who loves to write poetry and is also studying at London School of Oriental and African Studies, although his Politics degree has had to be made part-time due to his increasing rugby commitments.
This does not phase his tutors however and they are still behind him 100%, as the former Harrow schoolboy continues to embark on his final 18 months of the course.
During the Rugby World Cup, Itoje was released from the squad before they left for Denver but does not feel like he cannot continue to push on and make the England XV, as a lock or a flanker.
Without any arrogance at all, Itoje said:
I think I am ready. Given the opportunity, I think I would do well. I am confident in my ability.
