Maro Itoje agrees new Saracens deal, turning down France

Maro Itoje has agreed a new contract to stay at Saracens, turning down interest from clubs in France's Top 14, the country's top domestic league. The Guardian reported on 21 October that the deal is believed to run until 2029.

Itoje is 31 and plays lock, the tall forward who wins much of the ball in lineouts and works hard in the second row of the scrum. He has 102 England caps. He first played for Saracens in 2013, and the club has now tied him down for the next stage of his career.

His existing contract, signed in 2024, was due to run out after the 2027 World Cup in Australia. That tournament is the next big target for England, and none of the country's current player contracts run beyond it, according to the Guardian. Itoje was one of the first players to receive an enhanced England contract, worth £150,000, in 2024.

Perpignan and Bordeaux, both French clubs, had been mentioned as possible destinations before he made his decision.

Saracens head coach Brendan Venter, who is back in charge for a second spell, said publicly that Itoje had agreed terms with the club's owner and was staying. The club also announced the signing on its website, describing it as a new long-term contract.

BBC Sport reported that Saracens had hoped to extend his deal while the French interest was live. It also suggested that a move abroad could have meant the end of his Test career, the matches played for his country.

Rest has been part of his recent story. Itoje was left out of England's summer Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after showing signs of fatigue. Rugby's heavy collisions and constant running take a toll on forwards, and managing that load is now a regular part of how players are looked after across the sport.

For England fans, the news removes one big question before the 2027 World Cup. Itoje's place in the squad will now depend on his form and fitness, not on where he is playing.