"Art aficionado" - Lions captain Maro Itoje and Wife Mimi named on 2025 Social Power Index

Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 11:16

byTom Sansom

It’s official, Maro Itoje is not just one of the finest forwards in world rugby, he’s also one half of Britain’s second-most powerful social couple. According to Tatler’s 2025 Social Power Index, Maro and wife Mimi Labouchere Itoje landed in the No. 2 spot, just behind the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Here’s what had to say:

“To be captain of the British & Irish Lions team is huge – but what achievements can’t rugby star Maro boast? He’s also a poet, an art aficionado, a SOAS politics grad, an Old Harrovian, an admirer of Clement Attlee and a former Tatler cover star. He recently married Mimi – model and host of the most enviable hen party of the season. Think daiquiris on a yacht, Greek olive-oil tastings and girlfriends wearing matching swimwear.”

The write-up reads like a résumé for modern affluence, and it reflects the rare space Itoje now occupies: a player as comfortable in a grueling test match as he is at a bespoke gallery opening or roundtable discussion. Off the pitch, he’s built a reputation as a thinker, activist, and cultural ambassador. On it, he remains the heartbeat of Saracens, England and the British & Irish Lions.

Mimi, meanwhile, is fast becoming a style icon and social presence in her own right, known not only for her modelling work but also her effortless command of the luxury lifestyle scene.

Image Credit: Tattler / Dave Benett/Getty Images

Together, the Itojes represent a new model of sporting power, one rooted in excellence, education, and elegance. They’ve brought rugby to fashion parties and high society to the stands, all without compromising on authenticity.

On the field, Maro’s 2025 season has been equally commanding. He was named England captain for the first time ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, leading a resurgent side that finished second overall, going undefeated at home against France, Scotland, and Italy.

He also reached a new career milestone by captaining the British & Irish Lions for the first time during their warm-up clash against Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, a match that ended in a hard-fought defeat but marked a proud moment in Itoje’s leadership journey.

His form and authority continue to make him not only a standout lock but a natural-born leader on the international stage. Whilst Itoje will play no part in the upcoming Lions match against Western Force, there is high expectations on the lock to lead the Lions to the Test Series win over the Wallabies in the coming weeks out in Australia.