Maro Itoje: England Captain Nears 100th All-Time Appearance Milestone

Maro Itoje, the England rugby captain, is on the brink of a remarkable achievement. He is set to earn his 100th cap during a match against Ireland at Allianz Stadium this Saturday. This milestone has only been reached by eight players in England’s rugby history.

Maro Itoje’s Journey to 100 Caps

Since debuting for England in the 2016 Six Nations against Italy, Itoje has become a key player. His significant contributions helped the team secure the Grand Slam that same year. Over his career, he has garnered multiple titles, including Premiership and Champions Cup.

Itoje expressed his honor and humility regarding this milestone, stating, “It’s a great milestone to almost achieve.” He emphasized the weight of the moment as it comes shortly after the passing of his mother in December. “It’s going to be a little sad that my mother is not here to witness this,” he reflected.

Career Achievements

Throughout his decade-long England career, Itoje has maintained consistency and resilience. The secret to his success? According to Itoje, it combines grace and a bit of luck with injury management. He noted, “To play that long consistently, you have to be a little bit lucky.”

England Centurions

As Itoje approaches his 100th cap, he stands among active England centurions, including:

• Ben Youngs – 127 caps
• Dan Cole – 118 caps
• Jason Leonard – 114 caps
• Owen Farrell – 112 caps
• George Ford – 107 caps
• Jamie George – 107 caps
• Courtney Lawes – 105 caps
• Danny Care – 101 caps
• Maro Itoje – 99 caps (and counting)

Looking Ahead

As Itoje prepares for this significant match, his focus extends beyond personal milestones. The immediate goal is to secure victory against Ireland on Saturday. He aims to play an impactful role in future competitions, particularly the World Cup scheduled for 2027 in Australia.

Itoje stated, “If it happens, it’s not a bad thing,” regarding the possibility of surpassing Ben Youngs’ record. However, his priority remains clear: “I want to play really impactful games where I’m making a difference for England.”

Upcoming Fixtures

England’s 2026 Six Nations fixtures include:

As Maro Itoje nears this historic achievement, the rugby world watches eagerly. His dedication and perseverance have made him a respected leader in the sport.