Maro Itoje agrees new Saracens deal, rejecting French interest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Maro Itoje has agreed a new contract with Saracens, rejecting interest from French Top 14 clubs.

England captain Maro Itoje has agreed a new contract with Saracens, rejecting approaches from French Top 14 clubs. His previous deal was set to expire after next year's Rugby World Cup, but he has now committed his future to the club until 2029. Top 14 sides Perpignan and Bordeaux had shown interest in the 31-year-old, who has won 102 England caps since his debut in 2016.

By remaining at Saracens in England, Itoje preserves his eligibility for international selection. Had he moved to France, he would have been ineligible for England under the Rugby Football Union's policy of not selecting overseas-based players. He will also be eligible for a central England contract worth approximately £150,000 annually.

Saracens director Brendan Venter said: 'He is staying. He has agreed with the owner. Maro is everything we want at the club. He's an unbelievable human being, he's a brilliant leader, he's such a good rugby player.' Itoje was rested for England's summer matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after displaying signs of fatigue from heavy workload in recent seasons.

How it is being reported

• Maro Itoje seals England future by agreeing new deal with SaracensCaptain will resist lure of big-money move to France ‘Maro is everything we want at the club – a brilliant leader’ Maro Itoje has reaffirmed his long‑term commitment to England, rejecting interest from France by agreeing a new deal with Saracens. Itoje’s existing deal, signed in 2024, was due to expire after the World Cup next year but he has agreed terms with his club despite interest from Top 14 sides. A move to either Perpignan or Bordeaux had been mooted but the 31-year-old is to commit his future to the club he first represented in 2013 with a new deal, believed to be until 2029.…Guardian Sport · 21 Oct, 18:00
• Saracens in talks over Itoje extensionSaracens hope to extend Maro Itoje's deal amid reported interest from Top 14 clubs, which could spell the end of the England captain's Test career.BBC Sport · 21 Oct, 12:02

In this story: Maro Itoje · Saracens · England · Perpignan · Bordeaux-Begles · Brendan Venter

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