ITOJE KEEPING HIS DISTANCE TO LESSEN CORONAVIRUS THREAT
SIX NATIONS
LFAEngland had acted on the joint advice of their team doctor and the RFU doctor.
He said: “Mako is not ill, he is not in self-isolation but we’ve been given this advice. We think it’s right and proper that if we’ve been given this advice we follow it. Other advice that other teams follow, that’s their decision.”
But a Saracens spokesman said: “Travellers returning from Hong Kong are not currently subject to mandatory quarantine or self-isolation unless they become symptomatic.
“Saracens will continue to follow the Public Health England and World Health Organisation regulations surrounding coronavirus and the medical staff will be closely monitoring Billy and Mako on a regular basis.”
For Itoje, a club and country team-mate, the divergence in opinion was a reflection of the difficulties of dealing with an unknown enemy. He said: “No-one really knows what the coronavirus is. You can get two PhD holders and they will give you slightly different takes on what it is and what the threats are.
“At England, they are making the decision on what they think is in the best interests of England rugby, and Saracens are making what they think is the best decision for Saracens rugby club. There are two different work environments and they have come to different conclusions.
“I have spoken to Mako and he seems all right. He is the ultimate pro so he’s going to get on with whatever decision that has been made.”
Fortunately for England, they are well stocked at loosehead prop and can call on Joe Marler against Wales on Saturday, with Ellis Genge as his back-up.
Marler said: “I can’t do what Mako can. I can do what I can do. We are in a good spot in terms of coping without Mako.”