Cool Itoje Disney worry

MARO ITOJE aims to become The Lion King by taking inspiration from Disney’s film.

The England star today takes on Irish rival James Ryan, with both men high on the bookies’ shortlist to captain the Lions against the world champion Springboks next summer.

Itoje’s path to South Africa is complicated by the fact he has no top-level club rugby this season with relegated Saracens. He admits to shocking himself when looking at this weekend’s opening round of Premiership fixtures, saying: “I was like, ‘ Where’s Saracens?’ – I forgot we were down! I don’t really know when we will be back.

“But I’m at peace. In the Lion King, Timon and Pumbaa had a saying – ‘Hakuna Matata’. It means ‘no worries’.”