Maro Itoje has revealed that being told he was not Eddie Jones’ idea of a future England captain made him take a long hard look at himself.
Jones made the observation in his latest book - only to change his mind a fortnight after it was published.
In the intervening period Itoje, who will today be named in England’s 36-man squad for the Six Nations, says he did a lot of soul searching.
“I definitely reflected on what was said,” said the Saracens star, who even attended communication classes. “I spoke to Eddie about his thoughts and how he saw things because he is an extremely experienced coach who has achieved a lot.
“His comments were interesting for sure and it’s important to listen to what people say. But you also have to have a relatively strong grounding of who you are.
“I can only focus on the type of player I am or want to be, how I want to grow and influence others.
“And I believe that me being the best player I can will have a beneficial impact on the players around me and the environments I’m in.”
In other words the 27-year-old feels leading by example is the best way that he can positively influence a team, whether or not that leads to the captain’s armband.
And after the disaster of last year’s Six Nations, England’s worst ever, Itoje admits he and his team mates are on a payback mission.
“We definitely owe the fans,” he said. “The Six Nations of 2021 was way below par.
“It wasn’t the standard we expect from ourselves. And I’m sure it wasn’t the standard the fans expect from us either.
“We want to show our gratitude to the fans for their support and sticking with us through that tough time. And the only way we can do that is by strong performances on the field.”
England are riding high after an unbeaten autumn and buzzing at the prospect of young playmaker Marcus Smith continuing his rich vein of form.
“We are in a completely different place individually and as a team to a year ago,” said Itoje. “There’s a new sense of optimism about what we can achieve.
“But time waits for no man. Nothing is guaranteed. You have to make the most of opportunities and the moments that you have as they can be taken from you very quickly.”
Maro Itoje was speaking as an Ambassador for Vitality, a health, life and car insurance and investments provider that makes it easier for people to live healthy and active lives
