Maro Itoje on his favourite cheat meal and strongest in the England gym

"It's going to be cool, it's going to be epic. Can't wait."

After going on his travels to Edinburgh and Rome for the opening rounds of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, Maro Itoje has the passport squirrelled away and is excited to be playing at a sold-out Twickenham again. Saturday's visit of Wales to London will be the first time in two years that England will play to a capacity crowd at home in the storied championship. As if to remind him of the magnitude of the task at hand, with the losing team more than likely licking their championship wounds for another year, we got him on a Zoom call with our very own fired-up Welshman, Alex Roberts.

"Playing Wales is always a big occasion and to be back in Twickenham, in front of our fans, is going to be massive."

Days out from England vs. Wales, we spoke with Itoje, Ellis Genge and Joe Launchbury about a social inclusion campaign, run by Guinness, entitled the Never Settle Programme. After a big drive, in 2021, to raise awareness of the Women’s Six Nations championship, the big Guinness focus in 2022 is is working with partners and the rugby community to 'ensure all spaces around the sport are safe and welcoming to all, whether that be online, in stadiums or in pubs and bars'.

"Guinness are working on improving representation, diversity and inclusion in rugby," says Itoje. "A lot of their work is focus in and around the women's side of the game, and trying to give them the voice and platform they deserve. And basically trying to challenge the widely received stereotypes and misconceptions around the game."

Quick-fire questions with Maro Itoje

After helping set the scene for the pivotal Six Nations clash between Wales and England, and telling us more on the Guinness 'Never Settle' programme, we then asked Itoje some quick-fire questions to give us an insight on his current thinking. Favourite Film or TV programme American Gangster. Sporting Icon/Hero Michael Jordan. If you could live a day in the shoes of someone else, who would you pick? Oof! Wow. I would pick... that's a tough one, but Jay-Z. Early bird or night owl? Early bird. If you weren't a rugby player, what would be your alternative career? Good question. A super model! Who is the strongest in the gym? Joe Marler. Who is the best dancer? Me. And the worst? Tom Curry! Favourite sport outside of rugby? Basketball or boxing. If I had to pick one, basketball. Worst and best dressed? Worst dressed is Charlie Ewels. I like how Jack Nowell dresses. I like his style. I was trying to be humble, too. I didn't want to say me! Biggest pet peeve? Dishonesty. Ultimate cheat meal? I like a Chinese takeaway. House special, fried rice. Maybe some barbecue ribs, Singapore fried noodles and prawn crackers. You just have to! Extra chilli flakes are important. Some beef with black bean sauce. Last book you read? It was an audiobook. Will Smith's autobiography. It was unbelievable. Really good. [caption id="attachment_318780" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Maro Itoje was speaking on behalf of Guinness alongside teammates Ellis Genge and Joe Launchbury. Guinness is working with its partners to make sure rugby is inclusive and welcoming for everyone. To find out more visit HERE. [/caption]

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