Ever since England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje won the European Rugby player of the year award at just 21 years old in 2016, his stock has been on the rise.
England’s Rugby World Cup finalist, whose parents were born in Nigeria, says that he feels he has both national identities.
Despite living his whole life in London , Nigeria is still very close to his heart. He frequently returns to Lagos in his off-season and has been pictured at social events In native Nigerian wears
Speaking to GQ, Itoje proudly said, “My Nigerian family dresses well, it is a statement. My family wears Western clothing, but also traditional clothing.
“I love a caftan but I do not wear one often in London. I have an affinity for it as it is my heritage,”
Asked if he’d ever like to represent Nigeria in rugby, Itoje said never said never.
Toby Flood similarly wanted to swap nations to Germany, but swapping nations wasn’t possible back in 2016.
Maro Itoje facts:
- His full name is Oghenemaro Miles Itoje
- Itoje is a lifelong Arsenal fan. In 2019 during his off season, he was allowed to train with the Arsenal first team and was even pictured in their jersey
- Itoje is signed to Roc Nation Sports, a sports management company owned by musician Jay-Z.
- In 2018, Maro completed a Politics degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London
- Itoje has featured as a model in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, M&S and the Sanderson group, just to name a few
There have been a large number of Nigerian born or eligible players who have, for a variety of reasons, opted to play for another nation.
Itoje has himself attempted to select an XV with Ugo Monye as Director of Rugby.
The England lock wrote on Twitter: “It’s been a tough and rigorous process but I have come down to my final Nigerian British XV of current players.
“A good blend of experience and youth. Congratulations to all those selected.”
Here’s who made his selection:
BACK-THREE
15. Anthony Watson: Plying his trade at both full-back and wing, Anthony Watson is a well-respected member of Bath squad. The England International has made 105 appearances since signing from London Irish in 2013 and has portrayed his secure defence and elusive attacking style for his country, as well as representing the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
14. Nathan Earle: He was electric in his first season at Harlequins, scoring 11 tries in 23 appearances. On the international stage, Earle is part of Eddie Jones’ Elite Player Squad (EPS) and toured with the international side to South Africa in the summer of 2018.
11. Gabriel Ibitoye: One of the most exciting young wingers in the country, the speedster has been with Harlequins since the age of 12. The winger has been a regular in the England age group sides and was named in Eddie Jones’ wider training squad for the 2018 Six Nations.
CENTRES
13. Rotimi Segun: The young wideman arrived at Allianz Park from Northampton Saints and has since graduated into the senior squad. The flyer, who ran the 100m in 11.03 seconds in his school days, was key to Saracens’ success in the Premiership Rugby Cup and Premiership Shield in 2018/19 and was rewarded with a maiden league start against Exeter Chiefs towards the end of the campaign.
12. Max Ojomah: He joined the Bath academy at 14, and is son of Bath legend Steve Ojomoh who won 11 caps for England. Max credits Wales international Jamie Roberts for giving him a good understanding of the game on and off the pitch.