Maro Itoje: Athletic Heartbreak Fuelled My Rugby Rise

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 at 12:14

byRugby Rucker

England captain Maro Itoje will win his 100th cap this weekend — a remarkable milestone for one of the modern game’s most influential forwards.

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But long before leading his country and touring with the Lions, Itoje’s sporting ambitions lay elsewhere — and it was heartbreak on the athletics field that helped shape the competitor he is today.

Before committing to rugby, Itoje was one of the brightest young shot put prospects in the country. In 2009, he was ranked No.2 in the UK at under-15 level and dominated the schools circuit.

“I had a few good years, I went to a few English Schools and I had a good time,” Itoje previously said. “I was ranked second in 2009 in the under-15 age group.

“I did it because I was pretty good and to be honest I think I could have made a career out of it — but rugby is so much more fun than shot put.”

The future England skipper was Hertfordshire Schools champion three years in a row, twice finished runner-up at the English Schools and represented England at under-17 level.

However, it wasn’t the victories that stayed with him.

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“I lost three times in athletics in shot put — once to a guy who was older than me when I was competing a year up so I don’t really count that, though I eventually ended up beating him,” he explained.

“The one person who did beat me was Luke Roach Christie. I don’t know where he is now or what he’s doing but every time he beat me it broke my heart.”

That pain, by his own admission, lit a competitive fire that never faded.

Now, as Itoje prepares to lead England out for his 100th Test cap, it’s clear the heartbreak of his teenage years helped forge the relentless edge that has defined his career at the very top of the game.

Maro Itoje: 10 Things to Know About the Ex-Shot Put Star Before His 100th England Cap

From representing England in shot put as a teenager to captaining the British & Irish Lions in 2025, Itoje’s rise has been anything but ordinary.

Here are 10 things to know about Maro Itoje before he reaches his century milestone.

1. His Full Name Reflects His Heritage

Born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje on 28 October 1994 in Camden, London, Itoje is the son of Nigerian parents.

His first name, Oghenemaro, means “God has done it” in Urhobo — a nod to his family’s proud heritage and strong cultural roots.

2. He Represented England in Shot Put

Before becoming a rugby star, Itoje was a standout track and field athlete.

He represented England at U17 level in shot put, showcasing the explosive power that would later define his line-out dominance, tackling and breakdown work in elite rugby.

3. He Balanced Rugby With a Politics Degree

Itoje earned a rugby scholarship to Harrow School at 11 and later studied Politics at the SOAS University of London in Bloomsbury.

Balancing a professional rugby career with academic study is rare at the highest level — but Itoje has often spoken about the importance of education and maintaining perspective beyond the sport.

4. His Dream Dinner Party Is Iconic

Maro Itoje once revealed he would invite Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Jay-Jay Okocha to dinner.

Speaking about Okocha, he added:

“He’s in there, my Nigerian brother!”

The trio reflects his admiration for activism, cultural influence and sporting greatness.

5. His Nickname at Saracens Is ‘The Pearl’

The nickname was born after he wore a cream turtleneck to a team Christmas social. It stuck — and remains one of the more stylish monikers in English rugby.

6. Richard Hill Has Been a Major Influence

Itoje has frequently credited Richard Hill MBE as a mentor.

Hill’s professionalism, rugby intelligence and leadership left a lasting impression on Itoje during his formative years at Saracens and within the England set-up.

7. He’s a Fan of Period Dramas

Off the pitch, Itoje enjoys watching Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge and The Crown.

His interest in history and culture mirrors his academic background and thoughtful personality.

8. Rugby Talent Runs in the Family

Itoje is the cousin of Beno Obano, who plays for Bath Rugby, and Ollie Thorley of Gloucester Rugby.

Elite rugby clearly runs in the family.

9. He Captained the British & Irish Lions in 2025

In 2025, Itoje was appointed captain of the British & Irish Lions, becoming one of the few English players to lead the famous touring side.

On the magnitude of the role, he said:

“Obviously the magnitude of the game will be so much higher than a lot of what I’ve done and experienced before, but I feel like I’m ready… I feel like I’m ready to do the role.”

His appointment further strengthened his reputation as one of world rugby’s most respected leaders.

10. He Married Mimi Fall

Itoje married model and entrepreneur Mimi Fall in 2023.

He has spoken about the importance of family and balance in his life, with marriage marking a significant personal milestone alongside his professional achievements.