Lessons from England's no-swearing rugby captain

The Six Nations is underway for another year and the tournament has reached the halfway stage, when onlookers start to get an idea about who is likely to go all the way and claim victory following their five matches.

However, one perhaps lesser-known story surrounding the annual international rugby tournament centres around newly appointed England captain, Maro Itoje, who has spoken publicly about his Christian faith in the past and is known to refrain from swearing during matches.

The Saracens Forward has previously told the media that Christianity ‘shapes his moral code,’ and that he knows all that he has was given to him by God’s grace, keeping him ‘humble and grateful.’

Itoje had long been touted as a future England captain after leading the nation’s under-20 side and playing over 85 times for his country at senior level, as well as making appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

However, former manager Eddie Jones fuelled speculation that he might not receive the armband, saying in 2021 that the 30-year-old was ‘very inward-looking,’ and ‘did not usually influence people off the field.’

However, manager Steve Borthwick cited his calmness and high standards off the pitch as reasons for his eventual appointment: ‘He’s a calm, influential leader, renowned for his commitment to upholding high standards and his ability to motivate those around him.’

Itoje’s faith has clearly had an impact on those around him, with the qualities cited by his manager likely shaped by his Christian upbringing. One particularly interesting added element is his refraining from using foul language during matches, something he has recently joked that he leaves to his teammates.

Swearing on the sports field, especially when playing at the top level, may not seem like that big a deal. I have heard Christians talk about how they are not sure that holding a stance like this really makes any difference to their witness, or if it is even noticed.

However, Itoje’s example shows the depth of the impact a simple life choice can have on others. He has spoken about his faith before, but this revelation appears to have garnered more headlines, showing that his choice not to engage in the same trivialities as his teammates and conduct himself in a different way has made a lasting impact on players and broadcasters alike.

Itoje’s decision not to swear will also benefit him on the field, surely helping him to remain calm. This, coupled with his reputation for maintaining personal high standards of professionalism, helps those around him to see that he lives his life differently, gathering his main motivation from somewhere they do not.

Itoje shows us how important the smaller decisions that we make about how we conduct ourselves in day-to-day life are, even when they seem insignificant. If we can refrain from swearing and cursing, display a high work ethic, and uphold high moral and professional standards, those around us will be able to tell that we live our lives a bit differently, even if they do not mention it.

As we can see from the example and subsequent reputation of Itoje, everything we do to ensure we live to honour Christ makes a difference. A lot of the time, the little things like not swearing or cursing, gossiping or being lazy make a far greater impact on people than trying to preach at them about the gospel directly.

Often, the best thing we can do in our day-to-day witness is show people that the way we live our lives is a better and more fulfilling way, and one which they may eventually want to adopt themselves.