The words were spoken softly, but Maro Itoje's message was firm. Difficult. As England captain, he will be demanding. He wants a greater team effort. Expect higher standards and better results.
For so many years, this coveted role seemed to be his destiny and now he has finally been given the responsibility; at the age of 30 years. Itoje was in the Eternal City on Tuesday to outline his vision and mission, at the official launch of the Six Nations. Before rushing off to catch a train to Naples, on a circuitous route to England's training camp in northern Spain, the Saracen team made it abundantly clear that a greater collective effort could put an end to the team's recent poor run. national.
In 2024, Steve Borthwick's team lost seven of their 12 tests. In response, the coach opted for a change of leadership; promoting Itoje to replace his clubmate Jamie George. There is a sense that the new figurehead has been tasked with adding a tough touch to the spirit of unity that was selflessly fostered by his popular predecessor.
After taking over the club captaincy this season, he threw himself into the international role, saying: “From a team point of view, we have to work harder.” We need to run harder. We need to be together more and I guess I'm the captain, but it's not just me. Who will be the catalyst for change? They're all older kids. We need, as a collective, to work harder for the team to get the right results.
“We have fallen short over the last year, in the final stages of games. While I think we are on a positive trajectory; it takes more to get the results you want and the results you want. I don't think it's enough to say: “Do what you did yesterday and expect a different result today.”
'We need to work harder in almost every aspect because we are not where we want to be. We need to work harder in the later stages of the game, we need to work harder in the gym, we need to work harder on our ability, we need to work harder on our knowledge, we need to work harder on our relationships. To get where we want to go, we need to do more.”
Maro Itoje spoke softly in his first game as England captain but his message was firm
The 30-year-old received the armband after a difficult year for the national team
Itoje paid tribute to his former captain and clubmate Jamie George as a “first class human”
Itoje is widely recognized as one of England's few world-class assets. At his peak, he has been one of the great strikers of the modern era, armed with formidable self-confidence. He has long occupied a sporting pedestal, but he can also achieve humility. So when he was first asked if he would be named captain, he talked about wanting to “serve” the team, the country, the staff, the fans. A tone like this will encourage support and perhaps some patience, despite difficult circumstances.
He paid tribute to the man he has succeeded and acknowledged his influence, saying: 'Jamie is a first-class human being. He is very articulate, understands people and understands the game very well. I have learned a lot from him. But the key to leadership is learning and recognizing the good in others, but forging a path for yourself. That's what I have to try to do.
Itoje's main goal will be to lead by a moving example, something that should be within his reach. “The most important thing is that you play well,” he said. 'That's more important than any speech you give, any interview you can give, or how I walk, how I talk. The most important thing is that I play well. That is the best form of leadership. People listen to your words, but follow your actions.
“I think I am capable of expressing myself in such a way that my colleagues understand what I am asking of them. But I need to be the one who does it. I need to be the one who throws myself into the task at hand. I need to be the one who sets the example ”.
Of course, the captaincy does not allow being insular. Itoje has to do more than just perform at his best. He has to find other ways to inspire the men around him. You will need both the right words and the right deeds. When asked about the concept of rousing speeches from leaders, he acknowledged that they still “definitely have a place.”
England coach Steve Borthwick hopes Itoje will set an excellent example in this year's Six Nations.
“Part of being a leader is having the ability to motivate your teammates,” he said. “But it's different from person to person, from player to player. Humans are incredibly fascinating. No two people are the same. The way you talk to certain players is different to the way you talk to another player, if you want to get the best out of them.” they.
'Some players prefer the stick. Some players prefer the carrot. It's about understanding when and where the carrot or stick is most appropriate to achieve the goal.'
He may not care now, but what awaits is a chance for Itoje to mock Eddie Jones' claims back in 2021 that he doesn't have what it takes to be captain. The former England manager felt his pack talisman was too introspective to act as a true rallying point for his team-mates.
“Everyone has the right to have their opinion,” Itoje said, treading a diplomatic tightrope. “But IMHO, that was not the correct conclusion.” In the coming weeks, he can prove it.