Maro Itoje prefers 'incognito' experience in university

England lock Maro Itoje revealed that maintaining an "incognito" profile in his university in Africa helps him in balancing life.

The 21-year-old has been an integral part of England's Grand Slam triumph and also their recent 3-0 series whitewash in Australia. He was named the European Player of the Year for helping his club Saracens win the Champions Cup title last season and also played a key role in his team's Aviva Premiership title defence.

Itoje is currently in his final year of a politics degree at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and he revealed that his identity is kept unknown to most of his classmates.

"I don't think a lot of my classmates know who I am," said Itoje, who has been announced as the latest Vitality ambassador.

"My university experience is a little bit different to the standard student's. I can be fairly discreet because only some lecturers and tutors know who I am.

"It makes life a little bit easier. I don't mind it - it's quite nice to go incognito for a while.

"I'm in my final year now, I did my first two years full-time, but I had to split my last year over two. I'm in the home straight.

"It helps me take my mind off rugby - politics and development is a little bit different to Premiership rugby.

"It gives you a chance to lead a balanced life. It helps you keep the mind ticking over on other things, so it's helpful".

Twickenham is set to host its first ever NFL game on Sunday when Los Angeles Rams face the New York Giants face each other and Itoje shared his experience with the sport.

"I spent some time in America with an NFL player called Cassius Marsh. He's a linebacker for Seattle," he said.

"He's a good guy, a friend of one of my friends, but rugby is my passion and I have no desire to swap.

"He didn't try to recruit me, but he thought rugby was cool. He was like, 'You guys don't use pads man?'

"They are obviously two different sports. The kind of tackles that they do, you wouldn't be able to do in rugby - you'd probably get a straight red in rugby."

England will kick-off their autumn internationals against South Africa and they have never beaten a Springboks team at Twickenham previously. Earlier, Eddie Jones described South Africa as "bullies" and urged his team to be at their best, if they are to maintain their unbeaten streak and Itoje echoed his coach's sentiment.

"South Africa are a very proud rugby nation and you notice that when you spend time with the South Africans in our squad," Itoje said.

"They're very proud and passionate about their rugby and they care a lot. They're very physical as well and are known for their physicality."