As Maro Itoje prepares to win his 100th cap for England against Ireland, he will do so with an emotional message from his father ringing in his ears.
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In a heartfelt tribute ahead of the milestone appearance, his dad reflected on a journey that began with uncertainty but grew into pride.
“Rugby wasn’t my first choice. But after accepting it, and then watching you play, I knew — yes, there’s something special here." he said.
“To play your 100th cap — fantastic. It shows that you’re a dedicated person. You’ve stuck at it. You’ve proven me wrong.
“I’m very proud that you’ve done that. What an achievement. Continue being yourself. Don’t change. You are a natural. You are Maro. I admire you. You’ve got the calmness of your mum.
“And you can also be ferocious when you need to be, like your mum. We’re so proud. I’m so proud of you. And your mum would have been so proud of you too.
“So just be yourself. You are who you are.”
From a promising youngster to one of England’s most influential forwards, Itoje’s rise has been built on discipline, intelligence and a fierce competitive edge — qualities his father so proudly highlighted.
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