There are big years in rugby, and then there’s Maro Itoje’s last twelve months—captain of Saracens, skipper of England, and now, the ultimate honour: leading the British & Irish Lions into battle in Australia. If rugby had a royal family, Maro would be wearing the crown and calling for scrums.
The Maro Itoje story has always been one of grit, grace, and leadership, and this latest chapter only cements his place as a generational talent.
His elevation to Lions captaincy isn’t just a nod to form—it’s recognition of a man who has never shied away from the hard yards, whether it’s in the tight five or the glare of leadership.
But even kings of the game need a fresh trim.
Ahead of the Lions’ tour, Under Armour whisked Maro off to his favourite London barber—Moussa, a long-time friend and steady hand with the clippers. Part grooming ritual, part moment of reflection, the visit gave the newly minted captain a chance to reset and refocus before boarding the long-haul flight to Australia.
“Being captain of the British and Irish Lions is already an amazing feeling but captaining a winning team, that would be even better,” said Itoje, sharp fade intact and suited in Under Armour’s signature baselayer. “I want to be the guy that leads the Lions to a series win, just like in 2013.”
Decked out in Under Armour’s latest off-pitch gear—including the Unstoppable collection and the sleek UA Echo sneakers—Maro looked every bit the modern sporting icon. But behind the stylish kit and composed demeanour is a man fully aware of the weight on his shoulders.
“As captain, there’s obviously a bit of extra pressure, but I’m used to that; I’ve had challenges to overcome my whole life, and this is just another one that I’m going to get the better of,” he said.
“I try to focus my style of leadership on being an authentic representation of who I am and what I stand for. I want to set standards and lead by example not just when I’m on the pitch, but also in everyday life too.
It’s been a great year for me personally and to add a Lions’ series win to it would be the best reward for everyone around me who has supported my journey.”
If that sounds like a man with his head screwed on, it’s because it is—and it’s not just the haircut.
Preparation, Maro says, is everything. “There’s so much work that goes into getting ready for a tour like this. You want to make sure you are in the best possible condition, and for me that’s more important than ever this year as captain.”
That’s where Under Armour steps in—not just a sponsor, but a partner in performance. “Under Armour has played a big role in my preparation for the tour over the past four years, through dedicated performance camps in the offseason, which helped me unlock new training and recovery methods and ultimately grow into the player I am today.”
As the Lions prepare for another tilt at southern hemisphere supremacy, Maro Itoje stands at the heart of it all—sharpened, styled, and ready to lead with intent. Under Armour, meanwhile, continues to do what it does best: backing athletes on the pitch, in the gym, and even in the barber’s chair, with gear designed to meet the demands of greatness.
Australia, you’ve been warned. The Lions are coming, and Maro Itoje is steering the pride.
