Having ascended to prominent roles, including captaining the British and Irish Lions, Itoje has experienced the full spectrum of public and media attention. His accolades include numerous Prem titles and Six Nations Grand Slams. Yet, such achievements bring with them a heightened level of expectation and scrutiny. "I’ve had times in my career where I have been widely acclaimed," Itoje reflected. "I’ve had times in my career where I’ve been widely criticised."
"Either side isn’t right, and you don’t want to get too high with praise, and you don’t want to get too low with criticism. So you want to stay in the middle."
The England captain firmly believes that personal value and performance shouldn't be measured by external voices. This self-awareness has helped him remain grounded, regardless of external opinions. "I don’t want to place my value on how I see myself or my performance on what other people say. I have a reasonably strong sense of who I am. I know what is good. I’m a reasonably self-aware person. So I just try and focus on what I control and focus on what’s important."
With a career that spans over a decade, Itoje's experience is invaluable, particularly to younger players entering the fray. His advice is straightforward yet profound.
"I would just say: keep the main thing the main thing. Focus on the people that you trust and are knowledgeable. Everyone else is white noise. Don’t get too high with the highs. Don’t get too low with the lows. And be humble enough and hopefully be wise enough to discern the difference."
This balanced perspective is what Itoje plans to carry into the upcoming rugby season. After a summer break from international play, he is set to return to action with Saracens in their opening match against Leicester Tigers on September 27. His leadership will once again be crucial, not just at club level but also when he rejoins the England squad in November for the Nations Championship matches against formidable teams like Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Itoje's journey underscores a critical narrative in sports: the importance of mental resilience and the ability to block out unnecessary distractions, aptly described as 'white noise.' His approach offers a blueprint for not only surviving but thriving in the demanding world of professional rugby.
As the season unfolds, both fans and aspiring players will be watching Itoje, not just for his on-field prowess but also for his exemplary character and leadership. His story is a testament to the fact that the true measure of an athlete lies not only in their physical capabilities but also in their mental fortitude and philosophical approach to both their career and life.
