Floyd Steadman: Meet the man who inspired British Lions captain Maro Itoje
While Steadman may not have had many role models when he was a young player, he was determined to become one himself.
After becoming a teacher he rose through the ranks and became headteacher at a number of prep schools – including Salcombe in south London.
It was there he first came across a young Itoje.
“From day one I remember seeing this 10-year-old black boy at my new school who was imposing, because physically he was big – he was taller than me and he was 10,” remembers Steadman, who was awarded an OBE for services to rugby, education and charity in the 2023 New Year Honours.
“Normally he would have a basketball in his hand or a tennis racket or a football.
“Whatever he tried he was just outstanding, and one day I remember going over and saying ‘Maro you should try this game rugby, you’re built for rugby, you’d be good’.
“His eyes glazed over, but that evening I rang his father and said ‘Mr Itoje, your son could be a very good rugby player, I suggest that in his senior school he starts playing rugby and please take him to Saracens, because Saracens will look after him’.
“I’m pleased to say that Mr Itoje listened to me, and although I didn’t realise, Maro was listening because when he went to his senior school he did start playing rugby.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Itoje has gone on to earn 93 England caps, win five Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups with Saracens, and will captain the Lions on his third tour this summer – a role Steadman feels is perfectly suited to his former student.
“You’re going to see someone that is very mature, very articulate,” he says.
“I think he’s learnt how to work the referees, unlike us chirpy scrum-halves.
“I’ve watched him this year and he’s certainly at the crucial time just been there listening, just a subtle word in the ear and I congratulate him for doing that.
“I think he’s incredibly fortunate to lead what looks like a very exciting squad for the British and Irish Lions.”