Maro Itoje backs benefits of England summer break

England captain Maro Itoje says an enforced summer break initially came as a shock but ultimately proved beneficial, leaving him refreshed after being rested for the Nations Championship matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Maro Itoje surprised by England summer rest

Itoje admitted the prospect of being left out had never entered his mind when head coach Steve Borthwick first raised the idea following the Six Nations.

The 31-year-old initially needed time to consider the decision but gradually accepted that stepping away could benefit both his immediate recovery and longer-term ambitions.

“I was taken aback, mainly because it just never entered my mind,” Itoje said.

“We didn’t make any decisions there and then and I reflected on it, I thought about it, then the more I thought about it, the more I kind of agreed with it.

“The more time that went by, I was like ‘OK, I do think this is the right thing to do. I think it is the right thing for me, the right thing for the longer-term goals and ambitions’.”

England captain benefits from extended break

Itoje’s absence followed an intense period which included captaining the British and Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia, playing through England’s autumn and Six Nations campaigns and dealing with the death of his mother, Florence.

The Saracens lock deliberately avoided watching England’s summer matches live as he attempted to properly disconnect from international rugby. He later watched full replays while already knowing the results.

Itoje admitted being away from the England environment felt unusual but said he had no regrets about taking the break.

“In some respects, it’s a little bit weird, being away from the team. Especially whilst games were going on, it felt very weird.

“But at the same time, I felt like it was the right thing to do, so I praise Steve and Phil for coming to that conclusion and I am very much looking forward to what’s to come.”