Maro Itoje has insisted that enjoying for England is “the mecca” amid fears Steve Borthwick’s aspect might be hit by an exodus of stars heading for a worldwide breakaway league.
Itoje stated he was unaware of the mooted competitors till information of the proposal broke final week however as one of many main lights for England for one of the best a part of a decade, the 30-year-old can be excessive on the rebels’ wishlist.
The breakaway league is claimed to have reached agreements with round 30 star names in precept on the promise of bumper salaries and fewer matches in an eight-team franchise competitors that may tour the world. It will want upwards of 200 gamers with a potential begin in 2026. Believed to be backed by US and Center East cash, and likened to LIV Golf, cricket’s IPL and Formulation One, it represents the most important menace to the established order for the reason that recreation went skilled.
Because the Guardian reported final week, the Rugby Soccer Union is sticking by its coverage that solely gamers based mostly within the Premiership can be found to play for England, making certain anybody becoming a member of the rebels can be, in impact, sacrificing their Check careers.
Itoje was one of many first England gamers to be supplied an enhanced contract, value about £160,000 a yr, as a part of the Skilled Sport Partnership between the RFU and the Premiership.
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He additionally signed a brand new long-term contract with Saracens in January and requested concerning the breakaway league following England’s disappointing defeat by South Africa final Saturday, Itoje stated: “The primary time I heard of it was when it broke, we’ll wait and see. Enjoying for England is the mecca. I don’t actually know any of the small print of it as but however carrying this rose is extraordinarily necessary to me and my teammates.”
