"Huge pay-rise" - Maro Itoje's England and Saracens future is under threat
Rugby NewsWednesday, 25 October 2023 at 13:21
Saracens are making an all-out effort to race against time in their quest to secure new contracts for their star players, whose existing deals are on the verge of expiring at the end of the season, as reported by The Rugby Paper.
One central figure in this intense contract negotiation is none other than England's exceptional lock, Maro Itoje, who also happens to be one of the highest earners on the team. As Itoje's current contract approaches its conclusion, there is widespread speculation about potential moves to rugby powerhouses in France and Japan.
Currently, Itoje enjoys a substantial salary, placing him in the upper echelons of the Premiership with an annual income of around £800,000. However, insiders indicate that he is aiming for an increase that would bring him in line with Scotland's star fly-half, Finn Russell, who currently holds the title of the league's highest earner, collecting an impressive £1 million.
Adding an element of intrigue to the situation, Itoje has hinted at the possibility of pursuing an overseas adventure if his domestic aspirations are not realized. Racing 92, renowned for their admiration of Itoje, maintain a strong connection with the agent representing this seasoned England player.
In his words, 'Well, I think first and foremost I love playing for Saracens, I love Saracens, and in an ideal world, I would love to spend the majority, if not the entirety, of my career at Saracens,' Itoje expressed.
Maro Itoje of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
'Saracens is a club that I have cherished being a part of. I want to remain here, stay in England, and continue playing rugby on English soil. I believe that's beneficial for the sport, having English players competing in England. It's advantageous for the game to have a thriving Premiership with English talent at its core. I see this as a win-win situation for all parties involved.
'Unfortunately, at the moment, we find ourselves in a situation where this is not the case due to various reasons. Several regulations and requirements are making it increasingly challenging for English players to stay in England.'
Other players believed to be approaching the end of their contracts include Nick Isiekwe, Jamie George, as well as Billy and Mako Vunipola.
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
"But I go for Folau - only just, I should stress - because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
"It’s a toss of a coin for me... and it’s come down in Folau’s favour."
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."
Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: "He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
"What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years."
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.
"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.
"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina)
Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!
"But I’ve just plumped for Pichot who was a great player for the Pumas and also a great ambassador for the game of rugby in general.
"Pichot and Felipe Contepomi were the ones who helped transform Argentina into one of the greatest sides in the world. He was an architect behind their march to the World Cup semi-finals in 2007, which set the trend ahead of their excellent showing in the 2015 tournament, too."
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!
"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa)
Owens said: "He led the Springboks to success at the 2007 World Cup in France and against the 2009 Lions and is probably one of the greatest captains I have dealt with. He’s a good man and was a very good player at hooker."
Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."
Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.
"He acted as a true leader should act."
Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens said: "Even though there’s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?
"If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.
"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible."
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."
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