Maro Itoje, the England and British & Irish Lions captain, has expressed that watching England play this summer felt "very weird" after taking a mini sabbatical from international duty. He was rested for his country's three Nations Championship games in July and is now feeling the benefits of the break.
Itoje believes that more top players should consider taking similar breaks to prolong their careers. The decision to rest was offered by national coach Steve Borthwick, with next year's World Cup in mind, following an intense year for Itoje both personally and professionally, including the loss of his mother last year.
The 31-year-old has emerged fit, healthy, and mentally rested for the upcoming season, having completed his first full club pre-season at Saracens since 2014. He stated, "I don’t regret it at all," despite the initial strangeness of being away from the team during games.
Itoje is set to return to action when the Prem season begins later this month, followed by four scheduled Tests for England in November, starting with Australia on 8 November.