George Kruis, a former England rugby star, has recently praised the decision-making around Maro Itoje's management. England's choice to give Itoje the summer off reflects a growing recognition of the need for mental and physical rest in professional sports. This decision comes two seasons after Owen Farrell took a similar break, prioritizing his mental well-being and family life.
"Looking after a player mentally and physically is super important. You can’t keep going to the well. I’m a big fan of what England have done," Kruis expressed in his interview with Planet Rugby. His commendation underscores the shift in how player health is perceived in the high-stakes environment of international rugby.
"Maro has always been 'on'—literally, since he came out of the academy. He’s not a guy who does 20 minutes here, 20 minutes there."
Kruis highlighted Itoje's intense involvement on the field, noting his constant engagement through full matches and significant leadership roles such as lineouts and team captaincy. The mental and physical demands of these responsibilities, compounded by personal challenges like the loss of his mother, make the timing of this break ideal, especially with the upcoming World Cup.
Since retiring, Kruis has not only co-founded a wellness brand but also become an advocate for mental health. His participation in a record-breaking 28-hour rugby match raised £69,000 for the rugby mental health charity LooseHeadZ, highlighting the extreme demands athletes face and the critical importance of mental health support.
The marathon event proved to be more challenging than Kruis anticipated, a testament to the rigors of professional sport and the toll it takes on the body. "It was a lot harder than I thought it would be," Kruis admitted, reflecting on his past injuries and the sheer physicality of the event.
"If you’ve done a good preseason before, you’ll know the feeling where you get in, and you just can’t keep your eyes open; you’re absolutely cooked. You feel your body is just giving in."
Despite the hardship, Kruis remains committed to his advocacy, driven by startling statistics on suicide, particularly among young men. He believes in the power of sports to break the silence around mental health issues and save lives.
Changing attitudes in rugby have fostered a more supportive environment, according to Kruis. Where once the culture may have stigmatized the sharing of emotional struggles, there is now a significant increase in resources and dialogue surrounding mental health in the sport.
The absence of Itoje in matches against teams like South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina provided an opportunity for new players to step up. George Martin, Alex Coles, and Charlie Ewels filled the gap, enriching the team's depth and experience in the second row. Kruis notes, "You always want competition," recognizing how a blend of youth and experience can invigorate a team.
LooseHeadz, founded in 2017, continues to extend its reach globally, aiming to place a mental health champion in every rugby club. Their efforts underscore the ongoing need to support individuals within the sport, ensuring no one has to face their struggles alone.
As the landscape of rugby evolves, the focus on player welfare, both mental and physical, remains paramount. The path forward is marked by increased awareness, ongoing dialogue, and a commitment to nurturing not just the athletic prowess but also the overall well-being of players.
