Lesser players could have wilted under such intense pressure but Itoje thrived, forcing his way into the Test team despite being the youngest member of Warren Gatland’s touring party.
He went on to appear in all three Test matches as the Lions came from behind to secure a historic draw against the All Blacks, with the then 22-year-old one of the standout performers.
With thoughts now turning to next year’s Tour to South Africa, Itoje is once again expected to be a key figure when the Lions lock horns with the reigning world champions.
And in the first of a new series about what the 2017 tourists have been up to since their heroics in New Zealand, we take a look at Itoje’s busy schedule both on and off the pitch.
POST-TOUR REFLECTION
Having already conquered Europe twice with Saracens and been key to England’s back-to-back Six Nations wins, Itoje’s selection for the Tour to New Zealand was far from a gamble.
But the Lions is different. He still had to prove himself on the biggest stage of them all and after featuring in three of the warm-up matches, he was selected on the bench for the first Test.
And while he was unable to rescue the Lions after being brought on in the 30-15 defeat, he showed enough to earn a starting spot for both the second and the third Tests.
His formidable partnership with Alun Wyn Jones subsequently proved pivotal in changing the course of the series, outperforming Brodie Retallick in Wellington and Auckland.
Dominant at the lineout and the breakdown, Itoje was an unrelenting physical presence and made just short of 50 tackles on the Tour as he imposed himself on the All Blacks.
Unsurprisingly, his influence was hailed from all quarters after the Lions fought back to tie the series – some even went as far as to crown him the best lock in the world.
WINNING MENTALITY
Itoje is a winner and it was not long before he was back doing what he does best for club and country, helping Saracens reclaim their Premiership title in the 2017/18 season.
The club had gone out in the semi-finals the season before but Itoje was a prominent member of the side that finished second in the league before beating Exeter Chiefs in the final.
Meanwhile, Itoje featured in every game of the 2018 Six Nations as England were unable to make it three consecutive titles under Eddie Jones as Ireland claimed the Grand Slam.
Itoje did not enjoy any more luck a year later either, suffering a knee injury in England’s win over Ireland in the opening game of the 2019 Championship which ruled him out of the Six Nations.
However, he returned to club action with Saracens later that season and helped the Men in Black retain their Premiership crown after winning the Champions Cup again.
Following that double success, Itoje then played a huge role in the Red Rose team that reached the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup before losing out to the Springboks in Japan.
PEARL CONVERSATIONS
It’s not just on the pitch where Itoje has been making his presence felt, though.
While coronavirus brought a halt to the rugby season, the 25-year-old kept himself busy by creating and hosting his own podcast series, called Pearl Conversations.
From Lagos to London – Hyphenated Identities 🇳🇬🇬🇧 @England International, @AVWFCOfficial Sporting Director, lawyer, commentator and #PearlConversations guest. Thanks to @EniAlu for being a part of my podcast, click here to listen https://t.co/qgp4m82Qfm 🎧 pic.twitter.com/WvQo24HOAQ
— Maro Itoje (@maroitoje) July 21, 2020
The podcast sees Itoje chat to leaders and groundbreakers from across society, ranging from musicians and athletes, to politicians and artists, finding out what makes them tick.
His guests have included England teammates Kyle Sinckler and Beno Obano, model and designer Leomie Anderson, Alastair Campbell and former England football international Eniola Aluko.
Itoje has also been a prominent voice in the wake of George Floyd’s death in America and the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement, urging politicians to help create lasting change.
More Heat! 🔥 The first episode of my podcast #PearlConversations with @KyleSinckler is now live! Click here to listen https://t.co/gMi677c7nJ 🎧 pic.twitter.com/qBDDgDFC6e
— Maro Itoje (@maroitoje) June 30, 2020
As well as using his own podcast to discuss the subject, Itoje has also spoken to the BBC’s Nick Robinson on Radio 4’s Political Thinking about focusing on long-term solutions.
More recently, Itoje confirmed his long-term future to Saracens despite their relegation from the Premiership as he looks to impress Gatland and earn a place on the 2021 Tour to South Africa.
