Maro Itoje, the England lock, has disclosed the revelation of an “underlying” health condition, as a defense against criticism from some senior rugby figures about his recent performances.
Criticism was directed towards the individual by journalists and public figures, including Lawrence Dallaglio, the ex-England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup-winner, who stated that Itoje’s recent performance was only averaging at a “six out of 10.”
Howeve , the disclosure of a health condition that was only recently resolved sheds light on the situation.
“I guess over the last year or so there have been things which have probably affected my conditioning, which has resulted in me being perhaps a little less energised,” the Saracens talisman told iNews.
“There have been injury bits, a few niggles, a few things that I’ve had ongoing which I didn’t know were ongoing.
“It was some health things behind, which I know have had an impact. Due to how I was feeling it probably wasn’t the quality of what I would expect for myself. All of that has kind of been resolved over the last three weeks. I’m now in, I think, a much better position.”
“No Marcus Smith” – How England would line-up under Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell praised the joined-up thinking of Irish rugby and insisted he has no reason to return home for a job in England.
Since being sacked by the RFU after the 2015 World Cup, Farrell has forged a reputation as one of the game’s leading coaches, steering Ireland to No 1 in the world rankings.
England made enquiries about bringing him back to Twickenham when Eddie Jones was sacked, but was told where to go by their former employee.
Below, we take a look at the team we think Farrell would name considering his current Ireland selection.
How England would line-up under Andy Farrell:
Back-three:
#15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
#14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
#11. Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Centre:
#13. Elliot Daly (Saracens)
#12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
