Maro Itoje ready to ‘come back better’ for England after taking mini sabbatical

Itoje rested for Nations Championship games in July Captain has had rare full pre-season with Saracens Maro Itoje says it felt “very weird” watching England play from afar this summer but believes more top players should consider taking a break to prolong their careers. The British & Irish Lions captain was rested for his country’s three Nations Championship games in July and is now feeling the benefits of “taking a breath” after an intense year on and off the field. In addition to the burden of leadership for club and country, Itoje also lost his mother last year and, with next year’s World Cup looming, the national coach, Steve Borthwick, offered his captain the chance of a mini sabbatical. He has emerged fit, healthy and mentally rested for the season ahead having enjoyed his first full club pre-season at Saracens since 2014. Continue reading...