1. “In rugby, it’s not just about the hits you give, but the ones you take and still keep pushing.”
2. “The true measure of a teammate is in the seconds between whistles.”
3. “Championships are won long before the final, in the relentless drills of practice.”
4. “Tackling is an art; you need to blend power with precision.”
5. “Leadership is stepping up when the team looks to you, even when you’re exhausted.”
6. “On the field, respect is earned through action, not words.”
7. “Adversity introduces a man to himself – it’s how you rise that counts.”
8. “A lineout isn’t just about height; it’s about timing and trust.”
9. “Heart and passion can turn the tide just as much as skill and strategy.”
10. “I play every game as if it’s my last – because one day, it will be.”
11. “In rugby, every position is crucial; there are no sidelines heroes.”
12. “Being versatile means you’re never out of the fight.”
13. “Defending is about reading the game two steps ahead.”
14. “Nothing compares to the roar of the crowd after a hard-won match.”
15. “Dedication isn’t a sometime thing; it’s an all-the-time thing.”
16. “Every session, every rep, counts towards the bigger picture.”
17. “Rugby is about leaving everything on the pitch, for your team and your country.”
18. “Training doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.”
19. “A great tackle can shift the entire momentum of the game.”
20. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of lifting a trophy after months of hard work.”
21. “You have to embrace the grind, it’s what separate winners from almost-rans.”
22. “To tackle well, you need both courage and technique.”
23. “Playing out of position forces you to broaden your understanding of the game.”
24. “Recovery off the field is just as important as the effort on it.”
25. “Communication on the pitch is the lifeline of the team.”
26. “Big moments don’t just happen; they are crafted from countless small victories.”
27. “Consistency is the cornerstone of success.”
28. “Every setback is just a setup for a bigger comeback.”
29. “Your performance on the field is a reflection of your dedication off it.”
30. “A true warrior doesn’t just fight; he fights smart.”
31. “Each match is a story, and it’s up to us to write the ending.”
32. “Adaptability is key; rugby is a game of constant evolution.”
33. “Unity in a team isn’t given; it’s built through shared struggle and triumph.”
34. “The best players aren’t those who never fall, but those who always get back up.”
35. “Fitness is not about being better than someone else; it’s about being better than you used to be.”
36. “Sacrifice is the unsung hero of every great performance.”
37. “Winning is fleeting, but the bonds you form with teammates last forever.”
38. “Vision on the field is as critical as physical prowess.”
39. “Sometimes the smallest movement, like a hand-off, can make the world of difference.”
40. “Sportsmanship is respecting the game, the opponent, and yourself.”
41. “Preparation is the science; passion is the art.”
42. “The jersey is not something you wear; it’s something you earn.”
43. “Mental toughness is just as important as physical strength.”
44. “It’s not about the accolades; it’s about the journey and perseverance.”
45. “Teammates are family, forged in the fires of competition.”
46. “The lineout is a duel of strategy, strength, and timing.”
47. “Pressure is a privilege, and every match is an opportunity.”
48. “Success is not given; it is earned, day in and day out.”
49. “There is no substitute for hard work – talent only takes you so far.”
50. “In rugby, history is written by the team willing to go where others won’t.” ### A Chat Over Coffee: Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje on Rugby, Life, and Everything In-Between
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Over a Cup of Coffee: Courtney Lawes & Maro Itoje
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Courtney Lawes:
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Alright, Maro, I’ve got to ask—do you ever get tired? I mean, you’re everywhere on the field, man. It’s like having a second shadow.
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Maro Itoje:
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(Laughs) Coming from you, that’s a compliment! But you’ve got some serious miles on those legs too, Courtney. What’s your secret? How do you keep up the pace and keep knocking guys down game after game?
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Courtney Lawes:
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Honestly, I wish I had some magical secret. Just a lot of hard work and maybe a bit of stubbornness. And let’s not forget—my lovely kids keep me on my toes at home. How about you? How do you manage to juggle rugby with all of your off-field pursuits?
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Maro Itoje:
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Ah, thanks, mate. I think it’s all about passion. I’ve found that having different interests keeps me balanced. Plus, the art and activism give me a mental break from rugby. It’s like cross-training for the brain.
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Courtney Lawes:
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You’re definitely a renaissance man. Speaking of cross-training, what’s one workout you’d never skip, even during the off-season?
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Maro Itoje:
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(Smirks) Deadlifts! They’re a killer but nothing builds strength like them. What about you?
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Courtney Lawes:
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I’m with you on that. Deadlifts are essential. But, honestly, I wouldn’t skip mobility work either. You’ve got to keep those joints moving when you’re in this game. Keeps me feeling young!
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Maro Itoje:
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(Laughs) “Young,” he says! You’ve still got it, man. But seriously, any advice for up-and-coming players? I’ve got a cousin who’s totally obsessed with rugby.
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Courtney Lawes:
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Same old cliché—hard work pays off. But also, don’t forget to enjoy the game. At the end of the day, rugby’s meant to be fun. Build strong relationships with your teammates too; a good team dynamic can be a game-changer.
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Maro Itoje:
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Great advice. Lastly, here’s a fun one: If you weren’t a professional rugby player, what would you be doing?
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Courtney Lawes:
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Man, tough one. Maybe something in adventure sports? Snowboarding, perhaps? I like a good adrenaline rush.
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Maro Itoje:
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Snowboarding, huh? Not bad. I could see you tearing up the slopes. For me, probably something in the arts—acting or maybe even music. You know, something creative.
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Courtney Lawes:
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Well, whatever it would be, I’m sure you’d crush it. Here’s to many more years of smashing it on and off the field!
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Maro Itoje:
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Cheers to that, mate!
