Maro Itoje on Leadership Evolution as New British and Irish Lions Captain for 2025 Australia Tour

Maro Itoje, appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour of Australia, reflects on his growth since his first Lions tour in 2017. Initially seen as brash, Itoje has developed a mature leadership style through international experience and captaincy roles with Saracens and England. He acknowledges his personal growth and readiness to lead a squad from four nations. Itoje's leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach and a focus on unity and passion, aiming to create a cohesive and resilient team for the upcoming tour.

From Brash Youth to Measured Leader

Reflecting on his journey since the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, Itoje admitted he was once “a little bit brash and a bit naive.” At just 22, he was the youngest player on that tour, but his performances—particularly in the second and third Tests—were instrumental in salvaging a series draw against the All Blacks. “In many ways that can be a strength because you are fearless, so you just attack things,” he told Rugby Union Weekly. “But now I've been around the block domestically and internationally and at Lions level so there's a whole load of experiences that I can count on and rely on” (British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje says that he is now a better communicator and team-mate).

Itoje emphasized that his development has not only been physical or tactical but deeply personal. “I definitely think I've matured,” he said. “I have a greater sense of who I am and what makes me tick and what I think is acceptable and what isn't acceptable. I also think I've improved in the way I am able to communicate and relate to my team-mates.”

A Leadership Role Years in the Making

Itoje’s leadership potential has been discussed since his schoolboy days, and he captained England’s Under-20s to a Junior World Championship title in 2014. However, his path to senior captaincy was not straightforward. Former England head coach Eddie Jones once questioned whether Itoje was truly captain material. Despite being a standout performer for Saracens and England, he was only named Saracens captain eight months ago and took over the England captaincy from Jamie George in January 2025.

“I’ve been talked about as a captain contender since I was 21, and more often than not, I haven’t got it,” Itoje said. “I think God’s timing is always the best time. I’ve never felt more competent and more ready for the role as I do now” (Captain Itoje humbled by honour of a lifetime).

Learning from Lions Legends

Itoje’s appointment as the 47th captain in Lions history was confirmed by head coach Andy Farrell during a live announcement at London’s O2 Arena, where Itoje walked on stage to a rousing ovation. The moment was not just symbolic—it was the culmination of years of learning and adaptation. He spent the night before the announcement dining with former Lions captains, including Gavin Hastings, who told him, “More people have been to the moon than captained the Lions.”

“To be at a dinner with some of the true icons of the game and be able to break bread, talk and listen to their stories and their experiences was special,” Itoje said. “I had to ask the Lord for forgiveness for missing a Bible study session!” he joked (British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje says that he is now a better communicator and team-mate).

A Captain Who Leads by Example

Itoje’s leadership style is rooted in action. Those close to him describe a player who sets the tone through relentless work ethic and commitment. “He is challenging in a good way, driving home key messages to the team and individuals,” said one source. As England captain, he has been praised for his collaborative approach, often leaning on other senior players to ensure unity and clarity within the squad (Maro Itoje inspires those around him).

This evolution from a single-minded young star to a team-first leader is evident in how he now views his responsibilities. “Our role is to make sure we give people something to cheer about. I want players to enjoy it – this is a unique experience. Who knows if this will be your last opportunity to wear this shirt? You never know what will happen. We just have to work hard and give all of ourselves,” he said (Captain Itoje humbled by honour of a lifetime).

A Tour That Will Define His Legacy

Itoje enters the 2025 tour with six Lions Test caps and a wealth of experience from previous tours in 2017 and 2021. Now 30 years old and with 93 England caps, he is tasked with uniting a squad drawn from four nations—no small feat. “At least for the course of the six-week tour, Itoje must find a way to let rugby define him,” one report noted. “Now he must bring others with him, and not just from rival Premiership clubs as he does with England, but from four different nations” (Maro Itoje inspires those around him).

Itoje himself is clear about the kind of team he wants to lead. “I want this team to be tough,” he said. “I look at this forward pack and I just see a group of really tough men. I want us to be tight, I want us to have each other’s backs. I want us to play with the passion and energy that you expect of a Lions player” (Captain Itoje humbled by honour of a lifetime).

Maro Itoje on Leadership Evolution as New British and Irish Lions Captain for 2025 Australia Tour

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