Maro Itoje has achieved a great deal in both his international and club career, winning trophies with Saracens and England.
Predominantly a lock but also capable of playing at flanker, he has established himself as one of the best players in the world.
The Pearl’ guided England U20 to their second-ever World Rugby Championship title before gaining a full cap in the 2016 Six Nations where Eddie Jones’ side were crowned Grand Slam champions, and he now has over 50 caps for his country.
He made three Test starts on England’s victorious summer tour of Australia and another Six Nations gong before becoming a British & Irish Lion in 2017 and 2021 featuring in all three tests on both tours.
Itoje was named European Player of the Year and Land Rover Discovery of the Season in 2016 as well as man of the match in Saracens’ maiden European Cup success.
However, Maro is actually only a shortened version of his name, which surprised a number of fans.
Oghenemaro Miles Itoje, was born in Camden to Nigerian parents on 28 October 1994. He stands at 6ft 5in (195cm) and weighs 18st 2lb (115kg).
“Who’s George” – 20 rugby players whose names aren’t really what you think they are
Dallaglio is not the only player who goes by a different name, and some fans were also taken aback when they learned Leigh Halfpenny’s first name is actually Stephen.
#1. Leigh is really Stephen Halfpenny
#2. Doddie is really George Wilson Weir
#3. Manu is really Manusamoa Tuilagi
#4. Conor is really Gerard Murray
#5. Richie is really Richard McCaw
