Maro Itoje, armed with a politics degree, hints at joining political party post-retirement

Jones, in a 2021 book, suggested that Itoje lacked the outward leadership qualities needed for an international captain. However, Itoje has now addressed these comments, setting the record straight on his leadership style and his supposed acting classes.

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Itoje, aged 29, has taken on his first senior captaincy role at Saracens. The England lock was tipped early in his career as a future national team captain after bursting onto the Test scene eight years ago. Despite his obvious potential, Jones never appointed him as England skipper, stating in his book that Itoje “drives himself rather than anyone else” and doesn’t influence others off the field.

"I might be wrong, but I am not sure Maro is a future England captain," Jones wrote at the time. "He is going to be one of the great players, but Maro is very inward-looking."

Responding to Jones’ claims, Itoje expressed disappointment, feeling that the former coach’s assessment misrepresented him.

“I felt that was a wrong diagnosis of who I am,” Itoje said. “Most people who know me, most people who read those comments who knew me, would say that was an inaccurate conclusion. I guess it was unfortunate that your coach would say something like that about you, but in life, not everyone is going to see things the way you do."

Itoje also clarified that he never attended acting classes, despite Jones' assertions. “I worked with the psychologist at the time on how to communicate more clearly and effectively, but I was not waltzing across a stage practising Shakespearean prose.”

In addition to his new captaincy role, Itoje has recently taken a significant step in his personal life, getting engaged to his long-term partner, Mimi Fall, an aspiring chef, model, and artist. Known for guarding his personal life closely, Itoje shared the news via his fiancée's Instagram post.

The couple, who met through modelling, received congratulations from England teammate Marcus Smith, who wrote: "Congrats to you both!! X"

With Jamie George currently leading England, Itoje's appointment as Saracens captain could suggest he is more than prepared for future leadership roles with the national team, should the opportunity arise. Having matured into one of rugby’s premier talents, Itoje's leadership credentials will undoubtedly be scrutinized as he leads his club this season.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.