Maro Itoje Ready to Lead Saracens After Jones Criticism

Maro Itoje newly appointed Saracens captain aims to prove former England coach Eddie Jones wrong after Jones questioned his suitability for leadership in his 2021 book. Jones had described Itoje as “very inward-looking” and not influential off the field, but Itoje disagrees with this assessment. He feels that Jones’s view was a misjudgment of his character and leadership qualities.

Itoje emphasized that he worked with a psychologist to enhance his communication skills but did not take “acting lessons” as Jones suggested. At 29, Itoje will lead Saracens this season following Owen Farrell’s departure to French side Racing 92. Although this is Itoje’s first time as the regular captain of a senior team, he has previously led England Under-20s to a Junior World Cup victory in 2014.

Itoje, who respects Farrell’s leadership style, intends to lead by example and maintain his high performance levels. Drawing inspiration from past Saracens captains like Brad Barritt and Steve Borthwick as well as figures outside rugby such as Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah and boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Itoje admires former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

He appreciates Vieira’s tough yet graceful presence and his ability to command respect without being the loudest in the room. Despite speculation about his potential to captain at a higher level, Maro Itoje remains focused on his role with Saracens. He respects Jamie George’s current role as England captain and prefers to concentrate on his new responsibilities with Saracens.

The team which missed the Premiership final last season begins their new campaign against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday.