England star Itoje talks politics ambitions and gives Johnson vs Starmer verdict

02/09/2022

Maro Itoje has lifted the lid on his desire to not be "identified exclusively as a rugby player" and revealed he would consider a post-playing career in politics.

The soft-spoken Saracens star is currently focused on delivering England back to the summit of the Six Nations, but his interests away from the rugby field paint the picture of an eclectic mind.

When the British and Irish Lion isn't dazzling as one of England's best modern athletes, Itoje holds interests in art and literature, curating art exhibitions and showcasing his talent as a part-time poet.

Backed by a politics degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), Itoje already has the tools to make a transition into the political world once his days as a rugby player are over.

“I started thinking about post-rugby a few years ago," he told Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair ’s former communications director, in a recent interview for Men's Health.

"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'd maybe do a World Cup or a Lions tour, but not on the circuit.

"Obviously if I didn't have physical attributes I would not be a rugby player. I'd maybe be a journalist or politician [laughs]. I was fairly late to rugby and it didn't come naturally to me."

A leap into diplomacy might make for smoother sailing considering how calm the 27-year-old commonly appears during interviews, often navigating through with a sense of cool charisma.

It's something the UK's incumbent ministers could learn from, though Itoje went on to suggest the current Labour leadership hasn't done enough to challenge their Conservative counterparts.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure to resign as a result of 'Partygate', with Tories reportedly turning on their boss after he lied about the extent of government parties that occurred during Covid-19 lockdown.

“I feel as if we are in a state where we don’t have a government that is impressive, but the opposition is not making a compelling enough case," Itoje added.

“If there were an election tomorrow, I think the Tories would win. I would vote Labour this time. I think Keir Starmer is a serious politician. He doesn’t have the charisma of [Boris] Johnson, but he is a serious and more endearing politician, with a deeper feel and affection for the country.”

Itoje's decision to be open regarding his voting intention is an increasingly rare one among top athletes, many of whom are all too aware how leaning in one direction risks ostracising certain fans.

Image and public perception is, after all, one of the modern keys for sportspeople when developing a brand, just as it is for those working in the House of Commons.

A former captain of England's under-20 team, Itoje went on to make his senior international debut at 21 and has since been touted as a candidate to take over the team captaincy when Owen Farrell steps down.

Asked by Campbell whether his approach to rugby naturally makes him concentrate on his own role and less on that of the squad, Itoje replied: "I understand but disagree.

"I have read your (Campbell's) Winners book and you'd agree there are different styles of leadership. There is no one way to lead. Tony Blair led differently to Gordon Brown or Margaret Thatcher.

"He [Johnson] is very different, yeah. Even looking at Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, take the politics out of it and it's fair to say they were two very good leaders, but very different."

Many might prefer to have a rugby pioneer like Itoje calling the shots rather than the country's current leadership, especially if his talents continue to develop along their current trajectory.

For now, at least, the 52-cap England talisman remains key to his country's fortunes on the field and is still to enjoy his prime years, which could be near their peak at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Itoje & Co. came second best to Scotland in their Six Nations opener but have another chance to lift England back near the peak of the international pile when they travel to face Italy on Sunday.

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