Reaching 100 England caps: Maro Itoje reveals the secret to conquering 'emotional turmoil' on the rugby field!
It's a monumental achievement for any athlete, but for England's captain Maro Itoje, his upcoming 100th cap is more than just a number. It's a testament to overcoming a significant personal hurdle: managing the intense 'emotional turmoil' that can accompany the pressure of elite rugby. Ten years after his debut, Itoje is set to join an exclusive club as England's ninth men's Test centurion when Ireland visits for a crucial Guinness Six Nations clash.
Looking back to 2016, when he was a highly-touted emerging talent, Itoje admits he wasn't fully equipped to handle the emotional rollercoaster of Test matches. "At the start of my career I probably didn't have a full understanding of how to regulate the emotions leading up to a Test match," he confessed. He vividly recalls the immense pressure, thinking, "I'm not sure if I can do this every week because I was putting myself through emotional turmoil." The sheer build-up of energy, he humorously suggested, could have led to serious health issues if he hadn't adapted his preparation.
Eddie Jones, the former England head coach, was the one who handed Itoje his debut. However, Jones was also acutely aware of the immense expectations surrounding the then 21-year-old second-row. This led to Itoje being an unused substitute in his first match against Italy. But his impact was undeniable. Promoted to the starting lineup the following week, he was named man of the match against Wales and went on to be a Grand Slam winner by the end of his debut Six Nations tournament.
Jones famously described Itoje's raw talent with a motoring analogy: "He's like a Vauxhall Viva now, we want to make him into a BMW. He's got a lot of work to do, but he's got potential." This comparison has clearly stuck with Itoje. Reflecting on that moment on the sidelines at the Stadio Olimpico a decade ago, he quipped, "I guess he was thinking how to upgrade from a Vauxhall Viva! I don't want to drive a Vauxhall Viva for too long!"
But here's where it gets truly reflective... Itoje acknowledges that it's easy to craft a narrative of a perfectly planned ascent. In reality, his primary focus back then was simply to secure his place in a highly competitive team, surrounded by established stars like Courtney Lawes, George Kruis, and Joe Launchbury. "To reach 100 caps feels amazing. I'm full of pride, full of happiness, joy and excitement. It's obviously a great milestone to reach and hit," he shared.
This significant milestone, however, is also tinged with profound sadness. Itoje's mother, Florence, a devoted supporter who attended all his matches, passed away last month. "In many ways it's a great milestone, but in many ways it will be a little bit sad that my mother is not there to witness this," he said, his voice filled with emotion. A practising Christian, Itoje believes his mother will be there in spirit, cheering him on from above, especially if England secures a dominant victory. "I know she will be spiritually there, cheering on from heaven when England get a dominant win."
And this is the part most people miss... While the focus is often on the on-field performance, Itoje's journey highlights the critical importance of mental resilience and emotional regulation in achieving sustained success at the highest level. It begs the question: How much of an athlete's success is down to raw talent versus their ability to master their own mind? Do you agree that mental fortitude is the ultimate differentiator in elite sports, or is pure skill still king? Share your thoughts below!
