'He has a bit of a swagger' - Maro Itoje admits he has admired Max Ojomoh from afar ahead of England's clash with Argentina in the QNS
Published 22/11/2025 at 09:37 GMT
React to this story
Maro Itoje admits that he has admired Max Ojomoh from afar ahead of England's clash with Argentina in the Quilter Nations Series. Steve Borthwick’s side have impressed this autumn, and now they will go head-to-head with a Pumas side who have also stepped up to the plate. Argentina have already beaten Wales and Scotland ahead of their trip to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday afternoon.
‘Just being fast doesn’t cut it’ - Rees-Zammit on NFL learnings and ‘need to adapt’ to hit potential
Video credit: TNT Sports
Maro Itoje believes that Max Ojomoh has brought a swagger to the England camp ahead of his first Test start against Argentina in the Quilter Nations Series.
The Bath Rugby back has been brought into the starting XV as a late replacement for Fraser Dingwall after the Northampton Saints star suffered a side strain.
Steve Borthwick’s side will be hoping to build on their impressive 33-19 triumph over New Zealand last weekend when they go head-to-head with The Pumas at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday afternoon.
Itoje is looking forward to lining up alongside his Gallagher PREM rival when the QNS clash gets underway live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"He has a bit of a swagger about the way he is around the place, and with the way he plays," Itoje told The Guardian.
"He obviously comes from a rich rugby heritage family, second generation in his family to be playing for England, so I know this weekend is going to be incredibly special for his family and for himself.
"I’ve been admiring his play from afar, and now I get the opportunity to play with him."
Argentina have enjoyed a sensational autumn, thumping Wales 52-28 before battling back from 21-0 down to beat Scotland 33-24 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
The Pumas have several players based in England, and Itoje says his team-mates know what to expect in west London this weekend.
"This is a team that has hurt us before, this is a team that has beaten us, and we know a lot of their players," he said.
"I think there’s probably more Argentinians playing in the Premiership now.
"We play a lot against a lot of their guys in France, so we’re well aware of the threats that they bring."
Ojomoh is the son of former international forward Steve Ojomoh, who was born in Nigeria before going on to win 12 international caps for England during the 1990s.
Saracens star Itoje has also spoken proudly about his Nigerian heritage in the past.
The forward has revealed that Steve Ojomoh asked him to encourage Max to focus on his education while he was coming through the Bath academy.
Itoje admits that he is an admirer of Ojomoh’s legacy as one of the greatest British Nigerians to have played for England.
He said: "I got a call some years ago, and I didn’t have his number at the time, and Steve [Ojomoh] basically asked me to talk to Max – this must have been four or five years ago.
- Kolbe eyes end to long Dublin drought for South Africa in 'massive' Ireland clash
- The speech that told me England will go places, and Ireland can silence doubters by beating Boks
"I’d never met Max, hadn’t spoken to him, obviously heard about his son who was coming up through the ranks in Bath, and he asked me to speak to Max and tell him to study, to keep on his education. I was like: ‘Look, how can I tell this guy to study? I don’t even know him; I haven’t met him.’
"It would be pretty weird if I’d just called him up and just been like: ‘Stay in school.’
"I said I’d do it the next time I see him, but the opportunity didn’t come until a few years down the line when I eventually shared the story with him.
"But I think he is studying now [Ojomoh completed a business and administration degree over the summer], his dad’s influence is working.
"I’ve been an admirer of the legacy that his dad and that generation of British Nigerians have done in the England jersey."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement