Itoje signs long-term deal with relegated Saracens

ENGLAND lock Maro Itoje has signed a new “longterm” contract at Saracens.

The 25-year-old had been linked with loan moves to Leicester and French side Racing 92 after Saracens were relegated to the Championship in January.

But Itoje has joined England captain Owen Farrell in committing his future to the reigning Premiership and Champions Cup holders.

Itoje said: “I’m really looking forward to the future. The future is going to be brighter than our past.

“The culture at Saracens is second to none and I think that’s evident for everyone to see.”

The majority of Sarries’ England stars, including hooker Jamie George, prop Mako Vunipola, No.8 Billy Vunipola and full-back Elliot Daly, have agreed to remain at Allianz Park.

Itoje – part of the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017 – has been at Saracens since the age of 14, making his senior debut in 2014 and going on to win four Premiership titles and three Champions Cup crowns.

“From his early days in our academy, to being part of the club’s biggest moments, Maro has been a vital member of the Saracens project and we are thrilled he is committing to Saracens,” said director of rugby Mark McCall.

“At 25, it is very exciting to think where he can take his game, this team and our club in the future.”

England coach Eddie Jones said he would be happy to continue picking Saracens players for the national team despite them playing in the second tier.

Jones says players “can’t be expected” to play 12 consecutive months of rugby when the season resumes in August.

“I think it’s going to be difficult,” he said. “We are going to have to have a lot of consultation between the national union and the clubs on how we look after the players.

“We can’t expect the players to play this season, play internationals and then go straight into another club season, and then potentially go on a Lions tour.”

Jones added: “The game needs our players to be at their absolute best – that’s what people want to see.

“They need to have a proper regeneration period post the season, and then a proper pre-season – a sixweek period, at least, of good strength and conditioning and base training.”