Meteor man Maro Itoje ready for England’s next mission

Maro Itoje claims he is mentally strong enough to cope if his incredible fairytale rugby world suddenly explodes in his face.
The England giant is also confident he will be even better, stronger and fitter than he was last season when he enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom.
Itoje is preparing for a new season hoping to continue riding the same crest of a wave which saw him enjoy club and international glory las time.
But while the man who has yet to endure the disappointment of losing in an England jersey is loving life in the fast lane, he is also preparing for the moment it could all start turning sour.
The Saracens forward, back in training after taking breaks in America and Spain to recharge his battery, told The Rugby Paper: “I think I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of good people, both here and at the club, and my family play a big role, my dad and mum are always advising me.
“It helps to surround yourself with people who are pushing you to get better and not trying to drag you down. As long as you want it to happen and keep working hard, then it will happen.
“The reality of professional sport is that sometimes things don’t go to plan or things go bad. Hopefully for me it doesn’t come for a while!
“But if it does I think I will be prepared for it. Nothing in life is plain sailing, there are always going to be times of hardship so that is why I think it is important to keep the good times in perspective and not to get too high.
“It is also important not to get too low. You need that mindset that gives you that more balanced approach to things.
“I have been working with Richard Hill, below, since I was at the academy. He has been a great person for me as a sounding board. And I was working very closely with Paul Gustard when he was at Saracens and that has continued here with England.
“More recently, I’ve worked with Alex Sanderson and I have developed a good relationship with him. I think the early part of his career was very similar to mine in many ways.”
Not that Itoje is beginning to think negatively or worried about the season ahead where England will aim to build on the stunning Grand Slam and Australian tour feats, and Sarries will hope to clinch another European-domestic double.
The strapping Londoner, who also has a potential Lions place to New Zealand as a prime target next summer, is hell bent on keeping on the upward curve that has made him one of the first names on Eddie Jones‘ team sheet.
“I’m 21 and there are loads of things the coaches have highlighted to me which I need to improve,” he added. “The challenge for me now is to go back to my club for the rest of pre-season and work on those skills and areas I need to improve. Hopefully we’ll see an improvement after the first couple of games.
“Last year went so well for me. It was an excellent season both with Saracens and England, but the most exciting thing is I don’t think any of those two squads are anywhere near their potential.
“I think both teams have a lot more to give and show. If we continue to work hard, stay humble and have that hunger we will get better.
“It was a credit to everyone involved that we won the Grand Slam and then the series in Australia. Eddie came in and brought in his coaching team, and every coach who has been involved has contributed and done a wonderful job.
“The players have taken a lot of responsibility and we have really been pushing the team forward. If everyone keeps pushing the team forward then we continue to improve.
“Sarries is similar to England. If you look at the age profile of both squads they are both still fairly young. Especially across our pack so the future is quite exciting and the squad is better than it was last year.
“Every day when we go to training I don’t want to waste any days. I just want to keep getting better We are a deeply motivated squad with a totally motivated staff.
“We just want to get better as a club and individuals. If anybody gets carried away at both Saracens and England the environment stops that from happening. I don’t think they have but if it was to happen the culture would stop it.”
GARY FITZGERALD