Captain Calm Itoje finally comes of age

Maro Itoje was long tipped to be a Test captain but had to bide his time before being handed two giant roles within the space of a few months — England skipper and the leadership of the British and Irish Lions.

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Itoje captained England’s U20s to a world title in 2014 and as he rose through the ranks it was clear the Saracens lock was no ordinary player.

A constant threat at the breakdown, outstanding at the line-out and punishing in defence, the physically powerful Itoje had all the skills required of a modern-day flanker, a position where he won some of his early caps, as well as a second row.

But he was also something of a throwback to English rugby’s amateur era, showing an impressive ability to communicate.

The young Itoje, the son of Nigerian parents, won a scholarship to the world-famous Harrow School — whose former pupils include British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.