Maro Itoje decides long-term future after Owen Farrell departure

David Skippers 31 Jan 2024 10:30 AM

Saracens have announced that experienced England international second-row Maro Itoje has signed a new long-term contract with the North London outfit.

Itoje is one of the most decorated players in the game and he has also been offered an enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contract from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Decorated career

The 29-year-old made his Saracens debut at the age of 19 in 2013 and has already won five Premiership titles, been a European Champions Cup winner on three occasions, been crowned European Player of the Year and is also a three-time World Player of the Year nominee.

Since his Saracens debut, he has gone on to make 175 appearances for the Premiership club, represented England in 76 internationals which includes two Rugby World Cups.

He has also featured in six Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their 2017 tour to New Zealand and 2021 trip to South Africa where he was named as the famous touring team’s Lions Player of the Series.

Itoje is thrilled to further his career at Saracens.

“Saracens is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here,” he said. “Looking back I am very proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years and it is the best place for me to keep progressing.

“With the squad we have I really believe we have some massively exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to be a part of it moving forward.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall is delighted that Itoje has opted to stay at the StoneX Stadium-based club.

“Maro has gone from a promising academy prospect to a global figure in Rugby. He is a world-class player, but what sets Maro apart is his dedication to his craft; the standard he sets, how he goes about his work -on and off the field- and how this expresses his love for the club and for the game.

“We are delighted he will continue to be at the heart of the Saracens project. We know the best of Maro is yet to come.”