Last update on.From section Rugby Union
Itoje is an important figure in club and country
Maro Itoje, forward for England and British Lions, believes that rugby union can do more in order to combat racism and increase diversity.
Floyd Steadman was an ex-scrum half for Itoje's club and the first black captain of the top tier English rugby union.
After his playing career, Steadman became headmaster of Salcombe Prep School, north London. He introduced the sport to a young Itoje.
Itoje stated that Rugby needs to expand its reach to attract more talent and include more people.
"The Rugby Football Union does many things. They could do even more. Perhaps. Premiership Rugby does some other things. They can do more. Yes. Most Premiership clubs don't do enough. Could they do more? 100%.
"The greater our collective investment in this endeavor, the better the result.
"It must do more to attract young rugby players coming from diverse backgrounds, environments, and socio-economic classes. Everyone wins if it does this."
"There will be better games and better products, which will result in more fans, more people engaging, and more demand for broadcasters in terms TV and for those who put money behind it."
"Everyone wins when the game has more variety."
The RFU established an independent advisory group on diversity and inclusion earlier this year. This group will "shape plans" for the RFU and "challenge it on its progress in the area."
Former England wing Ugo Montye is the chair, and Giselle Mather, current Wasps Ladies director for rugby Giselle Mather is vice-chair.
According to the RFU, the priority areas of action were "ethnicity", gender, socio-economic status and sexual orientation" at this time.
Steadman stated that he was proud to see the work of players like Itoje in raising awareness about racism and diversity.
He recalls that while some of the racism he faced in his playing days was racial abuse, a lot of it came from unconscious biases from opponents, fans and teammates.
"Most of it was also language that people believed was appropriate at the moment, but I knew it wasn’t.
"People might make assumptions about my skin colour based on what I look like, and I challenge them to look at me, the man."
Itoje has won three Six Nations Championships together with England
Itoje is known for his strong anti-racism stance and he was made a patron of The Black Curriculum earlier in the year. This social enterprise aims to fill gaps in current UK school curriculums by teaching black British history throughout the year.
He said, "We are all on this journey together." "Black, brown and white, as well as blue and pink, believe that the more people converse, the better we can understand and educate each other about different opinions, life styles, and points of view, the closer we'll get to an equitable society.
Itoje is still able to take a knee before each game, but he denies feeling let down by not being accompanied by his England team-mates.
He says, "One thing is clear from all England players is that [they are] against racism, discrimination and any form of racial abuse."
"Each player must make their own judgment about whether or not they feel comfortable doing it. Players will have their reasons.
"I am not going to tell you that if you don’t take the knee, it means that you are racist. That's too simplistic.
"But although I believe that symbolic gestures are important it is important to do the work not only when you are in public, but also in your private life."
