England Captain Maro Itoje: 10 Things To Know About The Saracens Star

Maro Itoje is a rugby trailblazer: the Lions' first Black captain, England's current skipper and a Saracens champion. Here are 10 things to know about him.

Sep 24, 2025 by Joe Harrington

England Captain Maro Itoje: 10 Things To Know About The Saracens Star

Maro Itoje has emerged as one of rugby’s most influential figures, both for club and country.

Still only 30, the towering lock has already built a resume most players can only dream of. He’s a serial champion with Saracens, a three-time British & Irish Lion, and as of 2025 the captain of an England team he’s anchored for nearly a decade Itoje’s blend of athleticism, intelligence and leadership has seen him routinely mentioned among the sport’s elite – he’s been nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year honors three times.

Off the field, the London-born star (whose parents hail from Nigeria) defies rugby player stereotypes as an articulate, degree-holding student of politics and a patron of the arts. From historic firsts to personal milestones, here are 10 essential things to know about Maro Itoje.

He Made History as the Lions’ First Black Captain

England’s Maro Itoje became the first Black player ever appointed to captain the storied British & Irish Lions team. He was named the 2025 Lions captain for the tour of Australia, an honor that made him the 47th Lions skipper since 1888 and the first Black captain in the team’s 137-year history. Itoje had already been a key figure on two previous Lions tours – he was the youngest player on the 2017 tour of New Zealand and a standout performer in South Africa in 2021. Now entrusted with leading the combined England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales side, Itoje has embraced the significance of his role. He said he was “deeply honoured and humbled” by the captaincy and vowed “to do the role justice” as he guides the Lions on their quest in Australia. His appointment is not only a personal milestone but a historic moment for diversity in rugby’s upper echelons.

He’s Engaged to Model Mimi Fall

Maro Itoje’s life off the pitch includes a happy milestone: he is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, model Mimi Fall. The rugby star popped the question during a 2024 trip to West Africa, proposing to Mimi while on holiday in Nigeria and Ghana.

The couple announced their engagement on August 7, 2024, with Mimi sharing a jubilant Instagram post captioned “Mrs I to be,” along with a close-up of her new engagement ring. Itoje later revealed details of the romantic proposal, which took place at a scenic resort on the coast of Ghana’s Ada region. The pair have since celebrated with a Nigerian-style engagement party and have been busy planning their wedding. However, they’ve hinted that the nuptials may be delayed slightly due to Itoje’s busy rugby commitments. For now, the England forward and his fiancée are enjoying this special chapter, with Mimi often spotted cheering him on from the stands as they prepare for married life.

He’s Highly Educated with Degrees in Politics and Business

Unlike many pro athletes who focus solely on sport, Itoje prioritized his education – and has the diplomas to show for it. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, all while launching his rugby career. Not stopping there, he went on to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick Business School in 2023. Itoje’s parents placed a strong emphasis on academics during his upbringing, something he has openly appreciated in hindsight. (In fact, he once pranked his father with an April Fool’s email saying he’d skip university to focus on rugby – prompting three days of stunned silence at home before the joke was revealed.) Balancing books and rugby boots, Itoje managed to excel in both arenas.

His academic achievements – a BA and an MBA – make him stand out in a sport where top players often forgo higher education. Itoje has said that studying politics broadened his perspective, and he remains intellectually curious even as his rugby career thrives.

He’s One of Rugby’s Highest-Paid Players

Itoje’s excellence is recognized not just with accolades but with a hefty paycheck. He is reportedly one of the best-paid rugby players in the world, earning around £800,000 per year from his club contract – roughly $1 million (USD) annually. This salary places him among the top tier of earners in professional rugby. (For context, in 2025 Itoje ranked in the top 10 on a global rugby salary list, alongside superstars like Owen Farrell and Finn Russell.)

His deal with Saracens reflects his value on the field and the marketing appeal he carries as one of England’s most accomplished players. Itoje’s club, country, and Lions pedigree make him a marquee name, and his income has followed suit. There have been reports of French clubs eyeing him with even larger offers, but Saracens have fought hard to keep their talisman. In an era of tightening salary caps in England, Itoje’s lucrative contract underscores his status as a franchise player – and it’s a major reason he has so far remained loyal to his boyhood club.

He’s a Loyal Saracens Champion

From his teenage debut to the present day, Itoje has been a one-club man, rising through and staying with Saracens through highs and lows. He made his senior debut for Sarries in 2013 and quickly became integral to a golden generation. During Itoje’s tenure, Saracens have dominated English rugby – winning five Premiership titles (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) and three European Champions Cup crowns. Itoje featured in all five of those Premiership finals and was even named European Player of the Year in 2016 after one triumphant campaign.

His club success is not without adversity, however. Saracens were relegated from the Premiership in 2020 over salary cap violations, a scandal that rocked English rugby. Itoje notably remained with the club despite that setback, helping Saracens earn promotion back to the top flight after just one year away. In the 2022-23 season – their first season back – Saracens reclaimed the Premiership title, with Itoje at the heart of their pack. Through it all, Itoje’s commitment to Saracens has never wavered. He was named the club’s captain in 2024 following the departure of long-time skipper Owen Farrell, a testament to his leadership and loyalty at the club where his career began.

He’s the Gold Standard at Lock Forward

Standing 6-foot-6 (1.98m) and weighing around 110 kg, Maro Itoje is an imposing physical presence – but it’s his combination of brains and brawn that truly sets him apart on the field. He primarily plays as a lock (in the second row of the scrum), and has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier players in that position. Itoje’s athleticism shines in lineouts, where his timing and reach make him a constant threat to steal or secure ball. His work rate is off the charts – he hits dozens of rucks per match and is often seen making tackle after tackle with relentless energy. Former coaches and teammates laud his on-field IQ; Itoje is a student of the game who reads situations astutely, whether it’s sniffing out an opposition move or knowing when to put in a game-changing interception or turnover. As one profile put it, he “remains the gold standard at lock” thanks to his mix of “smarts” and steel.

Notably, Itoje’s versatility has seen him fill in at blindside flanker for England at times, underscoring his agility and skills across the forward pack. In short, Itoje has redefined the modern lock role with his all-around excellence – equal parts enforcer, lineout general and inspirational leader in the tight five.

He’s Now England’s Captain

Long tipped as a future England captain, Itoje finally assumed that mantle in 2025. Coach Steve Borthwick appointed him skipper for the 2025 Six Nations, as Itoje took over leadership of the national team from his Saracens teammate Owen Farrell. It didn’t take long for Itoje to make his mark as captain. In his first campaign wearing the armband, he led England to a second-place finish in the Six Nations (with four wins out of five), a marked improvement for a team that had struggled in prior years. During that tournament, Itoje also helped England reclaim the Calcutta Cup – defeating Scotland to capture the historic trophy for the first time in five years. Known for his calm authority, Itoje has been praised for “thriving” under the added responsibility.

Teammates have noted that he leads by example with his consistency and competitiveness. Itoje had already captained England at age-grade levels (he led the U20s to a Junior World Cup title in 2014) and served as vice-captain at senior level, so the step up was a natural evolution. Now as England’s appointed leader on the pitch, he carries the hopes of a nation – and by all accounts, he’s relishing the challenge of guiding England into a new era.

He’s a Three-Time Lion with Tour Heroics

Even before taking on the Lions captaincy, Itoje had compiled an impressive Lions résumé across multiple tours. He earned selection for the British & Irish Lions in 2017 as a 22-year-old, the youngest player in that touring squad to New Zealand. Despite his youth, Itoje forced his way into the Lions’ test lineup and appeared in all three tests against the All Blacks, helping the Lions secure a dramatic drawn series. Four years later, on the 2021 tour of South Africa, Itoje was arguably the Lions’ most influential player. He played every minute of the test series and was voted the Lions’ Player of the Series by his teammates after a string of dominant performances, even though the Lions narrowly lost that series 2-1.

Those experiences cemented Itoje’s reputation as a big-game player. By the time the 2025 Australia tour arrived, Itoje was one of the Lions’ senior figures – embarking on his third tour and widely seen as a “sure test starter” given his past contributions. In Lions rugby, which brings together the best of four nations, Itoje has consistently shone as a unifying force and a competitive cornerstone. His Lions legacy, now capped by captaining the side, places him in the upper echelon of players to wear the famous red jersey.

He’s Collected Many Accolades and Honors

Itoje’s trophy cabinet and list of honors befit a player of his caliber. With England, he has won three Six Nations championships to date – including the 2016 Grand Slam in his debut Six Nations season and another title in 2017, where he played every game. At club level, in addition to multiple team trophies, he has some individual hardware: In 2016, a 21-year-old Itoje was named European Player of the Year after steering Saracens to Champions Cup glory. That same year, he was honored as World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Itoje has also been a finalist for World Rugby’s overall Player of the Year award on three occasions – a rare feat that underscores his consistent excellence on the global stage. Although he hasn’t yet won that global player of the year title, being shortlisted in 2016, 2017 and 2021 puts him in elite company. Domestically, he’s twice been nominated for Premiership Player of the Season. All these accolades speak to Itoje’s impact: from a young age he was recognized as a generational talent, and he has lived up to that promise year after year. As he enters his prime, Itoje continues to build a legacy as one of the most decorated English players of his generation.

He’s Passionate About Education and Art Off the Field

There’s a lot more to Maro Itoje than rugby.

He has leveraged his platform to pursue interests in education, culture and social causes close to his heart. In 2023, Itoje launched The Pearl Fund, an initiative aimed at funding the education of children in Nigeria, Ghana and other African nations. It’s a project born from his belief in the power of education (no surprise, given his own academic background) and his desire to give back to his ancestral roots. That same year, Itoje also opened his very own art gallery in Lagos, Nigeria – a venture focused on showcasing and uplifting underrepresented African artists. An avid art collector and aficionado himself, Itoje has spoken about his passion for African art and the importance of creating opportunities for young artists. He even combined his interests by modeling on the cover of Tatler magazine alongside an art-world figure, Lady Amelia Windsor, in a nod to his off-field pursuits. Additionally, Itoje has used his voice to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in rugby. He produced and hosted a podcast called “Pearl Conversations,” where in one episode he and his cousin (England prop Beno Obano) discussed experiences of racism in the sport.

Whether through educational philanthropy, art, or speaking out on issues, Itoje is committed to making an impact beyond the try line – showing that his leadership extends well off the pitch as well.

How To Watch Saracens in the U.S.

All Saracens games are live on FloRugby and the FloSports app, which works across mobile, desktop, smart TVs and connected devices. Fans can also catch full replays and highlights on demand. The annual plan is the best way to follow Saracens throughout the entire Premiership and European season.

Saracens Rugby Schedule 2025–26

Sept. 26, 2:45 p.m. ET – Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Saracens, Kingston Park
Oct. 11, 10:00 a.m. ET – Saracens vs. Bristol Bears, StoneX Stadium
Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m. ET – Saracens vs. Sale Sharks, StoneX Stadium
Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. ET – Northampton Saints vs. Saracens, Franklin’s Gardens
Nov. 30, 10:00 a.m. ET – Saracens vs. Bath Rugby, StoneX Stadium
Dec. 20, 10:00 a.m. ET – Saracens vs. Exeter Chiefs, StoneX Stadium
Dec. 27, 10:05 a.m. ET – Gloucester Rugby vs. Saracens, Kingsholm
Jan. 4, 10:00 a.m. ET – Leicester Tigers vs. Saracens, Welford Road
Jan. 24–26 – Bath Rugby vs. Saracens, The Rec
Mar. 21–23 – Saracens vs. Northampton Saints, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Apr. 18–20 – Saracens vs. Gloucester Rugby, StoneX Stadium
May 9–11 – Sale Sharks vs. Saracens, Salford Stadium
May 16–18 – Saracens vs. Harlequins, StoneX Stadium
May 30–Jun. 1 – Saracens vs. Harlequins, StoneX Stadium
Jun. 6–8 – Exeter Chiefs vs. Saracens, Sandy Park

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.

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