During the off-season, England's rugby captain Maro Itoje chose to take an extended break, missing the Nations Championship but certain it was the best decision for his career. At 31, the Saracens forward took time off following a demanding Premiership Rugby season and personal hardships, including the loss of his mother last December. His decision was influenced by exceeding World Rugby’s player load guidelines two consecutive seasons.
Reflecting on his choice, Itoje expressed no regrets and anticipates a robust return, aiming for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He shared with reporters, "It’s been a little bit different to how it normally is; but all in all, it’s been amazing. I feel very good for it; I don’t regret it at all."
"In some respect it’s a little bit weird, being away from the team while Tests are going on, but I feel it was the right thing to do. I praise Steve (Borthwick) and Phil (Morrow, England head of performance) for coming to that conclusion, and very much look forward to what’s to come."
Not only did the physical break help, but the mental respite was even more crucial for Itoje. He explained his need to step away, stating, "Physically, I was fine at the end of the season, and I feel like I’m in a good physical condition. Mentally, it was a heavy year and a busy year, both personally and professionally, so it was nice just to have some time to take a breath."
For the first time since his Test debut in 2016, Itoje spent the summer away from the England squad, which he described as a peculiar experience. "It was weird (watching England), it was very strange. I actually didn’t watch any of them live, though; I watched them in retrospect to try and remove some of the emotion from watching it."
Despite keeping a distance, Itoje maintained some contact. "I coincidentally bumped into the squad on their way back from South Africa at the airport, which was a massive coincidence! There were some light touches; I kept in touch and wished the boys well."
The decision for Itoje’s break was initially suggested by his coaches, a concept that took him by surprise. "I was taken aback initially, mainly because it just never entered my mind," he admitted. "We didn’t make any decision there and then, but then we started to reflect on it, and the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with it and thought it was the right thing for me."
"If I wasn’t going to do it then, I’m not sure when the next window would have been. Now I’m grateful for that, and I hope the break has given me what’s necessary to come back better."
With a refreshed outlook and renewed vigor, Itoje looks to contribute significantly to both his club and national team in the upcoming seasons. His period of rest not only highlights the importance of player welfare but also reflects a strategic approach to managing player fitness and mental health in elite sports.
