Saracens have announced that Maro Itoje has been named their new club captain.
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The second-rower, who is one of the biggest names in the game will take the reins ahead of the 2024/25 season and will be at the forefront as he leads the club in to a new era.
His inspirational leadership both on and off the pitch will enter a new chapter having recently signed a new long-term deal at StoneX Stadium.
The global figure, who is known for his fierce competitiveness all around the pitch has also grown his profile externally with the launch of The Pearl Fund which aims to transform the lives of children in Nigeria and across Africa.
The 29-year-old is closing in on the double century of appearances, with 181 to his name since bursting on to the scene in 2013.
He made his Saracens debut aged just 19 over a decade ago in 2013, and captained a young side to LV= Cup success two years later in 2015.
Itoje’s unparalleled rise means he is a five-time Premiership Champion, three-time European Champion, 2016 European Player of the Year and also a three-time World Player of the Year nominee.
His meteoric achievements both domestically and internationally has also seen him gain 84 caps for England including featuring in two World Cups, as well as six caps for the Lions across the 2017 tour to New Zealand and 2021 to South Africa where he was named the Lions Player of the Series.
Itoje spoke of his huge pride at the appointment.
“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be asked to captain this special club. I have been here since I was 14 and it has been an amazing journey.
I love this club and I feel that we are in a very exciting place with the talent and the people here, the energy we have and the direction we are going.
The great thing about team sports is I won’t be doing it alone, we have lots of leaders in this group and together we can create something really special.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Delving into his honourable mentions and other interviews, we’ve compiled Owens’ Six Nations dream team, necessitating six changes from his original selection.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”