THEY'RE rugby's smartest men.
Saracens and England lock Maro Itoje, who
was today named in Steve Borthwick's Six Nations squad, is one such brain box - graduating with a Masters in Business Administration.
He wrote on Instagram: "They call me BaMBA now!!! Nice day yesterday graduating for my MBA at WBS🎓💫✨ Big love to all the amazing people I met in the course!! Group 36 you know who you are!!!
"Also this automatically means I’m gonna be the next Dangote."
LIST: 5 rugby players with unexpected degrees
Here are five rugby stars with unexpected degrees.
#5. Alun Wyn Jones - Law
The Wales, Lions and Ospreys man has accumulated a record-breaking 157 caps, thanks to his world-class skills. However, the lock obtained a degree while putting in his classy performances for the Ospreys. Jones began mixing rugby and text-books part-time at Swansea University, where he gained a law degree in 2010.
Will he practice law once he retires? He would be quite a sight in courtrooms, that’s for sure. However, a law degree is much more versatile than we imagine. Jones may also use it to build a career as a sports club manager.
#4. Bryan Habana - IT
South Africa’s highest test try scorer ever and their second most capped player ever, Bryan Habana, is one of the best wingers South Africa have had. But what many people don’t know is that the South African speedster has a degree from one of the country’s greatest universities.
Habana’s education has led him to a BSc Degree in IT, that he finished in 2003 at Wits University in Cape Town. It proves Habana’s not just a fast runner but a fast learner too.
#3. Victor Matfield - Accounting
The most capped Springbok of all time, Victor Matfield, was not only a magnificent rugby player but a magnificent student as well. Matfield may have acquired a World Cup on the rugby pitch but he’s also gained a degree in accounting courtesy of his studying at the University of Pretoria.
#2. Sam Underhill - Politics and Economics
The England powerhouse isn't all brawn, no brain. He studied Politics and Economics in Cardiff for two years before swapping to the University of Bath.
#1. Maro Itoje - Politics
Prior to studying for his masters, Maro completed a Politics degree during the early stages of his rugby career from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. The England star has a vested interest in social justice, equality and inclusivity.
Get your tickets to the 2024 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace