English rugby star Maro Itoje has disclosed his consideration of a future in politics after concluding his distinguished sporting career, taking a jab at the Conservative Party in the process.
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At 29, Itoje has been a crucial player for England in the Six Nations and is expected to remain a key figure in this year’s summer tour.
Steve Borthwick’s team will kick off their campaign with a historic match against Japan in Tokyo, followed by two test matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
However, as he looks ahead to the end of his rugby career, Itoje is contemplating a dramatic career change.
Speaking prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he said: “I started thinking about post-rugby a few years ago. How you transition, what I might do, how to have a stable financial situation. It’s important to plan ahead. I try not to be identified exclusively as a rugby player. I want success in a sphere independent from rugby.
“I’m interested in politics, I am interested in business, I am interested in certain charities, I am interested in art. I would want to keep a connection to rugby, but I won’t be a coach, I wouldn’t want to be a pundit.
“I would vote Labour this time. I think Keir Starmer is a serious politician. He is a serious and more endearing politician, with a deeper feel and affection for the country.”
When asked to describe his leadership style, Itoje added: “There is no one way to lead. Tony Blair led differently to Gordon Brown or Margaret Thatcher. He [Boris Johnson] is very different, yeah.”
The 33-man England Squad Steve Borthwick Should Select For Summer Tour
It’s been a decade since England’s last visit to New Zealand, a challenging 2014 series under Stuart Lancaster resulting in a 3-0 defeat.
The memories of the 2008 tour aren’t any sweeter, with England tasting defeat in both Tests against the All Blacks. However, a glimmer of triumph emerged in 2003, as they secured a thrilling 15-13 victory over New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup.
In this highly anticipated tour, Borthwick’s squad will face a formidable challenge with only two tests against the All Blacks, following a clash with Japan in Tokyo.
Here is the list of our predicted squad organised by their current clubs:
RUCK’s England squad for the summer:
Harlequins
- Joe Marler
- Fin Baxter
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Marcus Smith
Bristol Bears
- Ellis Genge
- Harry Randall
- Gabriel Ibitoye
Saracens
- Jamie George
- Theo Dan
- Maro Itoje
- Ben Earl
- Elliot Daly