#3. Maro Itoje
Rugby Pass 7/10: “Playing this world-class lock at blindside is a debate that will run and run, no matter what excuse Jones will suggest in defence of his selection.”
The I 7/10: “Whilst he wasn’t necessarily impressive at six again, perhaps because of the impact Courtney Lawes usually makes, he was involved in some crucial moments for England.”
Planet Rugby 6/10: “A great lineout option used fairly frequently, and whilst the Saracen did have a good game, he is still more effective as a second-row.”
Replacement: Jack Willis with Itoje moving into the second-row alongside Jonny Hill
![](https://www.ruck.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2442137-2.jpg)
Maro Itoje facts
- He doesn’t enjoy drinking beer
- He likes to collect art in his spare time
- As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put
- Maro got a rugby scholarship to London Harrow school when he was 11. He then studied for a Politics degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in Bloomsbury, London at the same time as starting his rugby career
- He is also the cousin of Bath’s loosehead-prop Beno Obano
- The lock was born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje in Camden, London on 28 October 1994 to Nigerian parents