Itoje to stay at Sarries after RFU step in

THE RFU is set to step in to ensure Maro Itoje continues playing for Saracens and England.

Itoje is set to be offered one of the first hybrid contracts by English rugby’s governing body to ensure he does not join the exodus from Premiership clubs.

Under the salary cap, Itoje’s contract offer from Saracens has been halved, reduced from approximately £825,000 a year to £425,000.

The forward’s predicament sparked interest from cashrich clubs in France and Japan, leaving English rugby at risk of losing one of their star assets.The RFU is ready to intervene by offering an additional £150,000 through a hybrid contract, equating to around £575,000 to secure Itoje’s future.

Remaining in the Premiership means Itoje will continue to be eligible to play for England, maximising his commercial earnings.