Maro Itoje's Century of Caps: A Bittersweet Milestone for England Captain
England rugby captain Maro Itoje approaches his 100th international cap with a profound mixture of pride and sorrow. The Saracens second-row will reach this significant milestone during Saturday's crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland at Twickenham, but his celebration will be shadowed by the recent loss of his mother, Florence, who passed away in December.
A Spiritual Presence in the Stands
"In many ways it's a great milestone but it will obviously be a little bit sad that my mother is not there to witness this," Itoje confessed during preparations for the championship showdown. "I know she would have loved the occasion and loved everything about it. She's not physically there but I believe she's spiritually there – she'll be cheering on from heaven."
The 31-year-old forward missed the beginning of England's pre-tournament training camp in Girona to attend his mother's funeral in Nigeria, highlighting the personal challenges he has navigated while maintaining his elite performance level. His return to the squad demonstrates remarkable resilience as he prepares to join England's exclusive 100-cap club.
Reflecting on a Decade of International Rugby
Itoje's journey to this landmark began a decade ago with his England debut against Italy in Rome, where he came off the bench in a commanding 40-9 victory. Recalling those early days, he revealed how his emotional approach to Test matches has evolved significantly.
"I was really nervous. At the start of my career I didn't have a full understanding of how to regulate emotions leading up to a Test match," Itoje explained. "I remember thinking: 'I'm not sure if I can do this every week,' because I was putting myself through emotional turmoil. Every game is a huge occasion but building so much emotional energy towards it, I probably would have had a heart attack or stroke if I didn't change my prep."
England's Championship Ambitions After Scotland Setback
The upcoming match against Ireland takes on added significance following England's disappointing 31-20 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, which ended their impressive 12-match winning streak. While the grand slam dream has evaporated, Itoje remains confident in his team's ability to challenge for the championship title.
"We have to win all the other games. That is well within our capability," he asserted. "I don't think that is asking us to climb a mountain – we just need to make sure we focus on putting in the performance we are capable of. There were some key fundamental areas which weren't good enough: the collision, in the air. We need to bounce back and play with energy and vitality, start attacking the game right from the off."
New Talent and Veteran Leadership
The match will also feature Northampton's Henry Pollock making his first start for England at No. 8 after seven appearances from the bench. Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield offered remarkable praise for the young player's unique qualities.
"I've never worked with anybody like that," Sinfield stated. "I've never played with anybody like that. Not at his age. To bring what he brings – I've been around loud players, I've been around noisy players, but they haven't been as good as him and they haven't been as focused as him. Behind the bravado and what Henry is, there's a fantastic rugby player there."
Itoje, who captained several Ireland players during last summer's British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, added his perspective on Pollock's development: "I think there is a steeliness to him that is perhaps hidden in the energy that he exudes. He does have a toughness and a steeliness to him. The more he plays at this level the more people will see it."
A Personal and Professional Landmark
As Saturday approaches, Itoje's emotions reflect both the professional achievement of reaching 100 caps and the personal loss that colors this milestone. "It feels amazing. Full of pride, happiness, joy and excitement … there's my individual excitement but I'm more excited for the team, for us to get out there together and put on a really good performance," he said, capturing the dual nature of this significant moment in his career.
The England captain's journey from a nervous debutant in Rome to a century-cap veteran leading his country against one of rugby's strongest teams represents a remarkable decade of growth, achievement, and now, poignant reflection on what matters most both on and off the field.
