England captain Maro Itoje stood down with immediate effect

Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 09:28

byRugby Rucker

England captain Maro Itoje was absent from England’s latest training camp this week, with the lock-forward instead being granted time away from the squad following a demanding season.

His absence comes just days after reports emerged that Itoje was present at the same London bar where England cricket captain Ben Stokes was involved in the nightclub incident currently being investigated by the ECB.

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England explain Itoje absence

England head of performance Phil Morrow insisted the decision was purely based on player welfare, citing Itoje's heavy workload over the past 12 months.

“If you take the last 12 months for Maro, he has been captain of the Lions tour, his personal life and the general fact that he plays a decent amount of rugby,” said Morrow.

“We always treat players on an individual basis, so this week in particular we thought it was best that Maro stayed at home, spent some time with his family and just rested and recuperated.”

Morrow added that Itoje’s involvement in England’s upcoming fixtures will depend on developments over the final two weeks of the domestic season.

England sweating on lock stocks

According to reports in The Telegraph, Itoje is expected to remain stood down unless injuries strike England’s other frontline locks — Ollie Chessum, George Martin or Alex Coles — who are all set to feature in Friday night’s Premiership Rugby semi-final between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers.

Calls for player sabbaticals

Morrow also suggested rugby could benefit from introducing sabbaticals for elite players, similar to those used in New Zealand.

“Do I think it is a good idea? Probably,” he said. “In principle, would it be great for someone to take six months off and get their body right? Absolutely. The challenge is always who pays for it.”

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10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Maro Itoje

1. He Was a National-Level Shot Putter

Before fully committing to rugby, Itoje excelled in athletics. He represented England Schools in shot put and was one of the country's most promising young throwers.

2. His Full Name Is Longer Than Most Fans Realise

His full name is Oghenemaro Miles Itoje. "Maro" is simply a shortened version that stuck throughout his rugby career.

3. He Has a Politics Degree

Away from rugby, Itoje studied Politics at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), part of the University of London.

4. He Comes From a Highly Educated Family

His father is a doctor and his mother is a pharmacist, with education always playing a major role in his upbringing.

5. He's Married to Mimi Fall

Itoje recently married long-term partner Mimi Fall. The couple have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye despite his high-profile status.

6. He Was Head Boy at School

Long before captaining England and the British & Irish Lions, Itoje was already showing leadership qualities as Head Boy at St George's School in Harpenden.

7. He Won a World Cup Before Playing for England

Itoje captained England to victory at the 2014 World Rugby U20 Championship, beating South Africa in the final.

8. He Loves Art and Culture

Unlike many rugby players, Itoje is a regular visitor to art galleries and museums and has often spoken about his passion for the arts.

9. He Has His Own Charity Foundation

Through the Pearl Fund, Itoje helps young people access educational opportunities and supports community projects.

10. He Became a Lion Before Turning 23

In 2017, Itoje was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and quickly established himself as one of the stars of the series.

Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?

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From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

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