England Captain Maro Itoje Condemns Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Immigration Remarks
The England rugby union captain, Maro Itoje, has delivered a powerful rebuke to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent comments about immigration in the United Kingdom. Itoje, whose parents emigrated from Nigeria to Britain, described the Manchester United co-owner's statements as "ridiculous" and "so far from the truth."
Controversial Comments Spark Widespread Criticism
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's seventh-wealthiest individual, ignited significant controversy during a Sky News interview on Wednesday. The billionaire petrochemical executive questioned the number of people receiving state benefits while relocating to the UK from overseas, stating: "You can't afford ... you can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. The UK is being colonised by immigrants, really, isn't it?"
Itoje, who recently returned from his mother's funeral in Nigeria to join England's pre-Six Nations training camp, did not mince words when addressing Ratcliffe's perspective. "Obviously I don't condone the language he used," said the 31-year-old lock forward. "I was born in this country of Nigerian descent and I think it's ridiculous to say Great Britain has been colonised by immigrants because that is so far from the truth. I think it's wrong."
Political and Sporting Fallout from Ratcliffe's Statements
The backlash against Ratcliffe's remarks has extended beyond the sporting world into political circles. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called for Ratcliffe to issue an apology, while the Football Association is investigating whether the billionaire's comments have brought the game into disrepute.
Ratcliffe, who relocated to tax-free Monaco in 2020, has since attempted to clarify his position, stating he was sorry his "choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe." However, Itoje remains unimpressed by this partial retraction, noting: "If I've read correctly he has apologised for his comments," while maintaining his strong disagreement with the substance of Ratcliffe's views.
Personal Context and Family Pride
The controversy has emerged during an emotionally challenging period for Itoje, who is still processing the recent loss of his mother, Florence. She moved to England from Nigeria with her husband in the early 1990s, initially operating a butcher's shop in north London before supporting her son's rugby career.
"Going for the burial in Nigeria was deeply emotional but at the same time, there was a sense of peace that we found," Itoje reflected. "It felt right. Grief looks different for different people but it's definitely been a journey and with time I'm sure it will get easier."
Despite his personal grief, Itoje takes immense pride in leading an England side currently enjoying a 12-Test winning streak. "It's been great to be back with England; it's one of the things my mum loved," he shared. "I don't come from a traditional rugby family but my parents became rugby people through and through. She always loved the fact that I was a representative of this team."
Educational Background and Broader Implications
Itoje's response carries additional weight given his educational background. The England captain holds a degree in politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, providing him with academic insight into migration patterns and colonial history.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration discourse in British society and sports. As England prepares for their Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield, Itoje's comments underscore how public figures from diverse backgrounds are increasingly challenging what they perceive as inflammatory rhetoric about immigration and national identity.
