Maro Itoje has responded to claims made by former England head coach Eddie Jones, who questioned his suitability for Test captaincy, calling the remarks inaccurate. Itoje made his comments after being named Saracens’ new skipper.
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New Role at Saracens
Itoje steps into his first senior captaincy role, taking over from Owen Farrell, who has left for Racing 92. This new leadership position comes amidst speculation about his leadership capabilities on the international stage.
Eddie Jones’ Critique
Eddie Jones, while still coaching England, raised doubts about Itoje’s potential as a future captain. “I might be wrong, but I am not sure Maro is a future England captain,” Jones wrote. He added, “Maro is very inward-looking. He drives himself rather than others. He doesn’t usually influence people off the field.”
Itoje’s Response
Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, Itoje expressed disappointment with Jones’ assessment. “I felt that was a wrong diagnosis of who I am,” said Itoje. “Most people who know me would say that was an inaccurate conclusion. It’s unfortunate that your coach would say something like that, but in life, not everyone sees things the same way.”
Clarifying the Acting Rumours
Itoje also dismissed rumours that he had taken acting lessons to improve his communication skills as a leader. “I never went to acting lessons,” he clarified. “I worked with a psychologist to communicate more effectively, but I was not waltzing across a stage practising Shakespearean prose.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
In his remarkable lineup, Owens features three Welsh luminaries – Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, and Gethin Jenkins. Additionally, he acknowledges the contributions of Lee Byrne, Dwayne Peel, and Leigh Halfpenny to the sport.
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
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.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
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)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
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.”