Saracens in talks over Itoje extension

Saracens are exploring the possibility of extending Maro Itoje's contract, following interest from French Top 14 clubs such as Bordeaux-Begles and Perpignan. Itoje, the England captain and second row, will be 33 by the end of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, potentially marking his final opportunity to pursue a move abroad. French newspaper Midi-Olympique reports that Bordeaux-Begles and Perpignan have been alerted to Itoje's availability.

However, any transfer would result in a pause in his Test career, as the Rugby Football Union enforces a policy against selecting overseas-based players. The Top 14's salary cap stands at 11m euros (£9.2m), significantly higher than the Premier League's £6.4m, while the French league benefits from a lucrative broadcast deal with Canal Plus.

Saracens, despite the competition, remain hopeful of securing a new agreement with Itoje. Additionally, staying in England would grant Itoje eligibility for a central England contract worth around £150,000 annually. While Itoje has been with Saracens since his teenage years, the English top flight permits one marquee player per club to sit outside the salary cap.

French Top 14 rugby, on the other hand, involves a grueling regular-season schedule of 26 matches, plus post-season play-offs for the top six teams and European fixtures. Itoje has previously expressed interest in a move to France, with Racing 92 previously showing an interest, though no deal materialized. Recently, players like Jack Willis, Courtney Lawes, and Ellis Genge have advocated for scrapping the domestic-only player policy in England, citing the benefits of expanding their options abroad.