ITOJE WANTS TO GO PLACES
But not before Saracens deliver defiant message
LEINSTER V SARACENS TODAY, KICK- OFF 3PM
MARO ITOJE heads into club rugby’s match of the season revealing an ambition to one day take his career overseas.
The England star insists he has no plans in place and his sole focus is on helping Saracens deliver a ‘ statement’ performance in today’s heavyweight European Cup quarter- final at Leinster.
But he admitted: “At some stage I would love to play abroad. When the time is right I’d love to spend at least a season somewhere.
“I’ve had a great life and I’m very privileged to play the sport I love but experiencing a different culture, a different style, a different vibe would be great. I definitely wouldn’t rule out playing abroad in the future.”
Defeat in Dublin would end Saracens’ season and fast forward the humiliation of their year in the Championship as punishment for salary cap breaches. Itoje came close to avoiding it by agreeing a season- long loan to Paris outfit Racing 92 ahead of next summer’s Lions tour, but the move fell through in March. As things stand, he says, he will turn out in the second tier.
Not that the 25- year- old is contemplating anything ng but a win today to set up p a semi- final next week ek against Clermont or r Racing.
It is a huge ask given Leinster have e won all 25 of their ir games since losing to the Londoners in last season’s eason’s final. Worse still, Sarries have lost half their side from that game and are without the banned Owen Farrell, above.
Yet Itoje said: “It feels like the team is coming together at the right time. We have a serious team, one with special individuals and big characters who love these types of games. We never go into games just to participate. We just need to put it all together and we’ll be fine.”
Alex Goode moves to flyhalf in place of Farrell, with Elliot Daly switching to fullback. Fitness doubts Mako Vunipola and Richard Wigg Wigglesworth both ma make the starting li line- up. Johnny Sexton comes in at 10 for Leinster after sta starting last week’s Pro Pro14 final on the bench bench. Luke McGrath, Sean Cronin and Will Connors also return.
Itoje concedes Saracens will need to lift their game to a ‘ different level’. But he says they plan on delivering a display that reminds everyone that, even in their absence, they will remain top dogs.