It has not been plain sailing all the way, because the Saracens lock suffered a rare dip in form in the year leading into the 2023 World Cup, and this gave rise to speculation that he had contracted an illness – although no details were made public. Even so, when Itoje has been below par he has still operated at a higher standard than most Premiership players, and his solid contribution to Saracens winning their sixth English league title last season proved the point.
Despite being part of England’s Six Nations and World Cup warm-up slumps, Itoje rediscovered his mojo during the tournament, and helped the team to eventually make the most of being in the weaker side of the draw.
Itoje played a significant part in giving South Africa a nasty jolt in the semi-finals, including eclipsing his old adversary, Eben Etzebeth, to the extent that the Springbok bruiser was benched just after half-time.
The good news is that Itoje’s revival has continued strongly since his return to Premiership action. There is also no question that his track record as a Test Lion in 2017 and 2021 – as well as his credentials as a Junior World Cup-winning England U20 captain in 2014 – puts him on a higher captaincy trajectory than rivals like George Ford, Ellis Genge, and Jamie George.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stade are heading in right direction
IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.
All my energy is going into Beziers
IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.
