Maro Itoje became just the ninth player in England’s history to reach 100 test caps when he led England out against Ireland.
The England captain has been a stalwart of the England team for a decade. He remains one of the first names on the England team sheet. While the result didn’t go to plan for England, it was still a momentous occasion for the second-row.
The early years
Itoje showed his leadership qualities as a young player. He captained the England U20s to a U20 World Cup win over a very strong South Africa side.
After winning the Premiership with Saracens in his first year as a professional, Itoje was ready to burst onto the international scene. His relentless carrying, wicked step and rucking ability were obvious from the first time of viewing.
In the 54th minute at the Stadio Olympico, in round two of the 2016 Six Nations, international rugby changed when 21-year-old Maro Itoje entered the field.
Within 12 minutes of his introduction, he was winning penalties for jackaling at ruck time, made some hard yards in the carries and stole an opposition lineout.
By the end of the tournament, he was an integral part of the Grand Slam winning pack, and at the end of 2016, he was named World Breakthrough Player of the year and was nominated for World Player of the year.
Tactical development of Maro Itoje
When Itoje broke onto the scene, he stood out on the field. He was disruptive in the ruck and stole opposition lineouts on a regular basis. Since then, he has gone through a journey of refinement, which has led to him becoming an all-round consistent performer.
As a young player, he stood out but at times could get caught out giving away penalties, trying to get involved when it is sometimes best to leave it. He now knows he can do his bit for the team quietly but with huge influence.
When England beat the All Black in 2025 be had a 100% tackle rate. He made the most tackles in the game with 22.
In the crucial second Lions test win over Australia, he made 21 out of 22 tackles. He was also the only player on the field to win more than one turnover in the game.
The living legacy
Running out for his 100th England cap will be an emotional occasion as Itoje recently lost his mother.
Itoje is very proud of his Nigerian heritage and started his studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies. This took place while starting his professional career.
Itoje’s legacy can be best seen in his Lions career. Coming into the squad as the youngest player in 2017. He started the last two tests and was a sub in the opening test.
He started all three tests in South Africa in 2021 and then captained the side in Australia in 2025.
When the tour to New Zealand comes around in 2029, Itoje will only be 34, not too old for a second row. He could become the sixth player in history to be a four-time Lion. He could join Alun-Wyn Jones as the only players to play 12 tests for the Lions in the modern-era.
Where does he line up with the legends?
When you look at the great locks and back-rowers of England rugby history, you look at the likes of Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and even Courtney Lawes. Itoje will pass all of these players for appearances this year. To surpass players like Johnson and Dallaglio, it will all come down to how he leads the team. If he can lead them to Six Nations or even World Cup success, he will go down as one of the best to ever put on an England jersey.
