Maro Itoje confirms Saracens contract decision ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

The 31-year-old signed what Saracens described as a “long-term contract” in 2024, although the precise length of the agreement was never publicly disclosed.

that his existing deal takes him beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while also making clear that he wants to continue representing England for as long as possible.

Itoje has now revealed to Mail Online

“I’m contracted until after the World Cup,” said Itoje.

“After the next World Cup, I still want to play rugby. How that looks, I don’t know yet. Ideally I’d love to play for England as long as possible.”

RUCK sources suggest Saracens are keen to agree a new deal with their talismanic lock sooner rather than later, with the club having no intention of allowing Itoje to enter the final 12 months of his existing contract.

There is no suggestion at this stage that fresh terms have been formally agreed, but the direction of travel appears clear.

Itoje has previously attracted significant interest from France, most notably Racing 92, but leaving the PREM would currently impact his ability to represent England under the RFU’s overseas selection policy.

That makes remaining at Saracens the obvious route if Itoje is to fulfil his ambition of continuing his Test career beyond the next World Cup.

There are significant considerations away from rugby, too.

Itoje is settled in London with his wife Mimi, with the couple preparing to welcome their first child together.

The pair married in 2025, with their growing family life in the capital another factor as Itoje considers what the latter stages of his career could look like.

Saracens is also the only professional club Itoje has ever known. Having come through the academy, he made his senior debut in 2013 and has since established himself as one of the defining players of the club’s modern era.

With Saracens eager to keep him and Itoje making clear that he wants to remain eligible for England, all signs currently point towards the 31-year-old extending his stay in north London.

A new agreement could ultimately take Itoje significantly beyond the 2027 World Cup – and further towards becoming a one-club man.