Maro Itoje has been a key figure in England’s rugby setup for years, featuring in Rugby World Cups, Six Nations campaigns, and numerous Autumn Internationals 2025. However, one particular moment from an England training camp in 2016 remains a painful memory both for him and former Wasps flanker Sam Jones.
Rugby fans around the world are invited to secure their place for the Autumn Internationals 2025. Through our trusted online platform, xchangetickets.com. Don’t miss the chance to see the world’s top teams clash in this thrilling series. Fans can easily book their England Vs Australia Tickets on our website and enjoy exclusive discounted prices. Be part of the excitement and experience the intensity of rugby live, reserve your tickets today!

During a rigorous judo training session organized by then-head coach Eddie Jones as part of England’s preparations for the Autumn Internationals. Itoje and Jones were paired together in an unfortunate accident. Jones suffered a serious ankle and leg injury, which ultimately forced him into early retirement at just 26.
The incident robbed English rugby of a promising talent and left Itoje with an unwanted role in the unfortunate episode. Now, as England look ahead to the Autumn Internationals 2025, Itoje remains a central figure in the squad. Bringing leadership and experience to the team with England set to face some of the world’s top sides. The campaign will be a crucial test ahead of the next Rugby World Cup.
Autumn Internationals: Maro Itoje a Key Leader in England’s Squad
The squad continues to evolve, and memories of past setbacks such as the one involving Jones serve as a reminder of the fine margins in professional rugby. As England prepare for the 2025 Autumn Internationals, Maro Itoje remains a key figure in the squad. The experienced lock has been a mainstay in the national team for years, but one unfortunate training incident in 2016 still lingers in rugby history.
During an England training camp ahead of the Autumn Internationals, former head coach Eddie Jones introduced a judo session to test the players’ strength. And grappling ability is particularly useful for those involved in scrums and contact situations. It was during this session that Itoje was paired with Wasps flanker Sam Jones, a promising talent in English rugby.
Get ready for the Autumn Internationals 2025! Watch as the world’s top rugby teams face off in thrilling matchups. Experience the intense atmosphere, powerful tackles, and unforgettable tries as these nations compete for glory. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action. Secure your England Vs Fiji Tickets now for this unmissable rugby showdown!
In a freak accident, Jones suffered a fractured fibula and severe ankle damage while wrestling with Itoje. Despite undergoing treatment, the injury proved too severe for him to continue playing. Eighteen months later, Jones was forced into early retirement at just 26. Reflecting on his career-ending injury, Jones admitted that the decision was made for me, which was tough to hear, but I understand it’s in my best interests.

Lessons from the Past: Itoje’s Journey and Leadership
England gear up for the Autumn Internationals, Itoje remains a key leader, looking to guide England against some of the world’s best teams while carrying the lessons of past experiences. England is preparing for the Autumn Internationals 2025, Maro Itoje remains a crucial leader in the squad, boasting nearly 100 caps for his country.
However, one moment from early in his career remains an unfortunate footnote. His involvement in a training ground accident ended the career of Sam Jones before he ever earned an England cap. Back in 2016, Jones had been called up to the England squad for the first time after impressing for Wasps.
However, during a judo session introduced by head coach Eddie Jones in preparation for the Autumn Internationals, disaster struck. Jones was paired with Itoje for the drill, and in a freak accident, he fractured his fibula and suffered severe ankle damage. Despite multiple rehab attempts, his recovery was riddled with setbacks, and he was ultimately forced to retire in 2018 at just 26 years old.
Experience the excitement of the Autumn Internationals 2025 as rugby’s best teams clash on the global stage! From thrilling test matches to unforgettable moments, every game is filled with passion and intensity. Watch top nations and rising talents compete in high-stakes battles as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup. Secure your England Vs New Zealand Tickets now and be part of the action!
Reflecting on the incident, Jones said that unfortunately, the injury was complicated, and my rehab wasn’t progressing the way we wanted. Getting selected for England was a huge achievement, and I’m proud that was my last contribution to the game.
England’s Road to the Autumn Internationals 2025
Despite the brutal nature of the injury, Jones, now 33, harbours no resentment toward Itoje, and the two have remained in contact. England gear up for another set of Autumn Internationals in 2025, Itoje remains at the heart of the squad, continuing to dominate on the international stage. England gear up for the Autumn Internationals 2025, Maro Itoje remains a key figure in the squad. Bringing his world-class physicality and leadership to the team.

However, his journey with England also includes an unfortunate chapter his involvement in a training ground accident. That ended Sam Jones’ career before it ever truly began on the international stage. Jones, a promising flanker for Wasps, was called up to the England squad in 2016 after an impressive club season.
But during a high-intensity judo session at an England camp, designed to test the players’ physicality. Jones suffered a devastating fractured fibula and severe ankle damage after being paired with Itoje. His recovery was plagued by setbacks, and in 2018, at just 26 years old, he was forced to retire.
While Jones has moved on, running his Sri Lankan-British restaurant in Soho, Itoje will be leading England in front of 80,000 fans at Twickenham this autumn. Looking to guide his side to victory in another thrilling international campaign.
We are offering Autumn Internationals 2025 Tickets. Rugby fans can secure their tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Xchangetickets.com is the most reliable source for booking Autumn International tickets. Sign up for the latest ticket alerts. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness world-class rugby, grab your tickets now and be there for the ultimate showdown!
Leave a Reply