England forward Maro Itoje unveils his intention to enter politics and has already chosen his party
Rugby NewsThursday, 23 May 2024 at 10:27
English rugby star Maro Itoje has disclosed his consideration of a future in politics after concluding his distinguished sporting career, taking a jab at the Conservative Party in the process.
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At 29, Itoje has been a crucial player for England in the Six Nations and is expected to remain a key figure in this year's summer tour.
Steve Borthwick's team will kick off their campaign with a historic match against Japan in Tokyo, followed by two test matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
However, as he looks ahead to the end of his rugby career, Itoje is contemplating a dramatic career change.
Maro Itoje of England during the England Captains Run at Twickenham Stadium, London on 9 February 2024 (Photo: George Beck/PPAUK)
Speaking prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he said: “I started thinking about post-rugby a few years ago. How you transition, what I might do, how to have a stable financial situation. It’s important to plan ahead. I try not to be identified exclusively as a rugby player. I want success in a sphere independent from rugby.
“I’m interested in politics, I am interested in business, I am interested in certain charities, I am interested in art. I would want to keep a connection to rugby, but I won’t be a coach, I wouldn’t want to be a pundit.
“I would vote Labour this time. I think Keir Starmer is a serious politician. He is a serious and more endearing politician, with a deeper feel and affection for the country.”
When asked to describe his leadership style, Itoje added: “There is no one way to lead. Tony Blair led differently to Gordon Brown or Margaret Thatcher. He [Boris Johnson] is very different, yeah.”
The 33-man England Squad Steve Borthwick Should Select For Summer Tour
It's been a decade since England's last visit to New Zealand, a challenging 2014 series under Stuart Lancaster resulting in a 3-0 defeat.
The memories of the 2008 tour aren't any sweeter, with England tasting defeat in both Tests against the All Blacks. However, a glimmer of triumph emerged in 2003, as they secured a thrilling 15-13 victory over New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup.
In this highly anticipated tour, Borthwick's squad will face a formidable challenge with only two tests against the All Blacks, following a clash with Japan in Tokyo.
Here is the list of our predicted squad organised by their current clubs:
RUCK's England squad for the summer:
Harlequins
- Joe Marler
- Fin Baxter
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Marcus Smith
Bristol Bears
- Ellis Genge
- Harry Randall
- Gabriel Ibitoye
Saracens
- Jamie George
- Theo Dan
- Maro Itoje
- Ben Earl
- Elliot Daly
Northampton Saints
- Curtis Langdon
- Alex Mitchell
- Fin Smith
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
- Ollie Sleightholme
Sale Sharks
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- George Ford
Bath
- Will Stuart
- Sam Underhill
- Alfie Barbeary
- Ben Spencer
- Ollie Lawrence
Leicester Tigers
- Dan Cole
- George Martin
- Freddie Steward
Exeter Chiefs
- Rusi Tuima
- Henry Slade
- Ethan Roots
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Newcastle Falcons
- Guy Pepper
Guy Pepper of Newcastle Falcons during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons at the Recreation Ground on 14 October 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Gloucester
- Zach Mercer
Final whistle celebrations for Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby after beating Leicester Tigers during the Premiership Rugby Cup Final match between Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm Stadium on March 15th, 2024 in Gloucester, England. Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK
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