4 h. ago The Itoje legacy: Nigerian roots shaped the Lions captain who has inspired a new generation

Maro Itoje’s rise to the very top of his sport brings both pride and idolisation from the British-Nigerian communityIt is 2017 and Maro Itoje has just been selected as the youngest member of the British & Irish Lions squad. He is asked for his favourite Lions memory and his response is illuminating. “Ugo Monye scoring his try in the third Test [against South Africa in 2009]. When you’re young and growing up, you look at players that look like you. And, by that, I don’t mean eyes, ears, nose, I mean who have the same skin colour, who you can identify with. Ugo is one I could identify with, as we’re both of Nigerian descent. To see him score that amazing try resonated with me.”On Saturday, when the Lions begin their series against Australia, Itoje will win his 100th Test cap. He is England captain, the first black captain of the Lions and the country’s most prominent rugby player. And you cannot help but wonder to what extent he himself has passed the torch. For there can be littl...

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14 h. ago Canterbury's new range of boots have something for every rugby player 

Iconic bootmakers Canterbury have a new range of togs out that suit all types of player

Sport

3 d. ago Lions call up another player as cover despite no one being injured

Andy Farrell has called up another player to his Lions squad ahead of the Test series with the Wallabies

Sport

4 d. ago Tonight's rugby news as Lions fly in new player after double blow emerges

The latest rugby news stories breaking right now

Sport

4 d. ago Lions player ratings as Jac Morgan shines again but England star steals show

The Lions players were impressive all round against the AUNZ invitational team and could not have done much more to convince Andy Farrell

Sport

4 d. ago Wales v Japan player ratings as hero emerges to save the day

Wales found it within themselves to get over the line as another second half capitulation looked like unfolding

Sport

7 d. ago Lions v Brumbies player ratings as issues strengthen case for Jac Morgan

The Lions stuttered to victory over the Brumbies

Sport

1 week ago Wales player ratings vs Japan as far too many crumble in second

Wales fell to yet another Test defeat in scorching conditions in Kitakyushu

Sport

2 w. ago Lions player ratings as Jac Morgan 'puts down marker' and pundits left eating their words

The Lions ran out comfortable winners in their second match in Australia as they downed the Queensland Reds

Sport

2 w. ago James Haskell, 40, reveals a noticeably slimmer physique as former rugby player lets his hair down at Wimbledon rooftop party

The former international rugby player, 40, had been quite the hunk during his days as a top flanker for England.

Sport

2 w. ago Tonight's rugby news as big new Welsh rugby signing to face Lions as new player flies in

The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.

Sport

2 w. ago Lions player ratings as Henry Pollock pure X factor but Irish duo need to up games

The British & Irish Lions are up and running.

Sport

2 w. ago Gareth Thomas backs Wales player to shine for British & Irish Lions this summer

Thomas believes Tomos Williams could be a match-winner for the Lions in Australia

Sport

2 w. ago Rugby player stabbed 10 times in front of girlfriend 'half an inch' from death

Morgan Hopkins, 19, is in hospital recovering from an emergency operation after he was brutally attacked on a night out with his girlfriend - surgeons say his wounds were nearly fatal

Sport

2 w. ago Rugby player 'half an inch' from death as he's stabbed 10 times in front of girlfriend

A man has since been charged with attempted murder after Morgan Hopkins almost bled to death following a knife attack in Gorseinon

Sport

3 w. ago Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt rejects Lions’ demands as player release row rumbles on

The Lions have demanded that the Australia coach release more of his squad to feature in the tour games ahead of the three-Test series

Economics

3 w. ago Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players

Luke Evans is a player Welsh rugby bosses are getting very excited about

Sport

3 w. ago Lions player ratings as Jac Morgan gets mixed reviews from British and Irish media

The Welshman produced some bright moments in the defeat to Argentina on Friday, but might need to offer a little bit more Down Under

Sport

4 w. ago Lions call up new player in fresh squad update as star flies to Dublin amid injury scare

Andy Farrell has called in another player as cover ahead of his side's first warm-up match against Argentina

Sport

4 w. ago Kilmarnock set to make Greg Kiltie second summer signing with winger returning from St Mirren

The 28-year-old ex-Killie player is set to return to Rugby Park

Politics