Maro Itoje British And Irish Lions Captain

ABOUT MARO

More Than a Player

A black and white portrait of a Maro with short curly hair, wearing a stylish white coat with a high collar, standing against a plain background. He has a serious expression and is holding his hands together in a gesture for CIRCLEZEROEIGHT.

Maro Itoje is one of the most respected figures in global rugby. As captain of SARACENS, England and the British & Irish Lions, he represents a new era of leadership — calm under pressure, relentlessly driven, and guided by values that extend beyond the game.

Born in North London to Nigerian parents, Maro’s journey has always been defined by discipline, intellect and ambition. After joining Saracens as a teenager, he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

A black and white portrait of a Maro with short curly hair, wearing a stylish white coat with a high collar, standing against a plain background. He has a serious expression and is holding his hands together in a gesture for CIRCLEZEROEIGHT.

His international career has mirrored that success, approaching 100 international caps for England and playing pivotal roles in two British & Irish Lions tours.

But Maro is more than his sporting achievements. He is a passionate advocate for education, equity and cultural expression. In 2022, he launched The Pearl Fund, a charitable foundation focused on unlocking opportunity for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Away from the pitch, Maro is a published writer, an art collector and a voice for progress — regularly contributing to national conversations on identity, access and representation. His ability to bridge high performance and high purpose makes him a unique presence in modern sport.

Whether leading teams, building partnerships, or driving change, Maro’s mission remains the same: to lead with integrity and leave a lasting impact.

Maro in uniform with the England rose emblem holding a trophy up in a stadium

Photos courtesy of Gentleman’s Journal, Circle Zero Eight, and Getty Images.