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How Missing World Cup Fueled Itoje's Rise
20 Feb
Summary
- Itoje captained England U20s to a world title in 2014.
- He debuted for England at 21 during the 2016 Six Nations.
- Missing the 2015 World Cup motivated Itoje to improve.
Maro Itoje's path to international rugby stardom was marked by significant early achievements and a pivotal moment of motivation. He captained the England Under-20 team to a World Cup victory in 2014, showcasing his leadership potential. By 2015, he was part of the senior Rugby World Cup training squad.
An England debut at 21 in the 2016 Six Nations followed, with Itoje quickly making an impact. Reflecting on his career, Itoje stated that not being selected for the 2015 World Cup was a significant motivator. This perceived setback spurred him to work harder, ultimately closing the gap in his game.
His first Six Nations campaign proved highly successful. After starting the majority of the championship games, Itoje earned player of the match accolades against Wales. The tournament concluded with England achieving a Grand Slam, a remarkable start to his international career.
