Fans are only just realising Maro Itoje's real name with England star using shortened version of his actual name

Sunday, 02 July 2023 at 09:03

bySteven Smith

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).

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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

skysports leigh halfpenny wales rugby 3899974

#2. Doddie is really George Wilson Weir

#3. Manu is really Manusamoa Tuilagi

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

#4. Conor is really Gerard Murray

#5. Richie is really Richard McCaw

#6. Scott is really Leon Quinnell

skysports scott quinnell quinnell wales 3937664

#7. Iain is really William Henderson

#8. Sonny Bill WIlliams is Sonny William Williams

Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand applauding the crowd - Photo mandatory by-line: Dean Lancaster/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 02/10/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 - POOL C Match 23 - New Zealand v Georgia- Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.

#9. Will is really Sanchez William Genia

#10. Mako is really Makovina Wanangarua I Whanga Nui-Atara Vunipola

Mako Vunipola of England during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#11. Francois is really Jacobus Pienaar

#12. Lawrence is really Lorenzo Dallaglio

#13. Taulupe is really Tangaki Faletau

Taulupe Faletau during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK

#14. Bakkies is really John Philip Botha

#15. Billy is really Viliami Vunipola

Billy Vunipola of Saracens on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#16. Rassie is Johan Erasmus

#17. Rob Andrew is Christopher Andrew

#18. Bundee is really Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki

Elliot Daly of England tackles Bundee Aki of Ireland during the six Nations Championship match, between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 17th March 2017. (Photo:Dean Lancaster/PPAUK)

#19. Mils is really Junior Malili Muliaina

#20. Joe is really Ratu Josateki Tuivanuavou Waqanivalu Cokanasiga

Joe Cokanasiga of England waves in the direction of the crowd following the Guinness Six Nations Round Four match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 9th March 2019. Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

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