Maro Itoje Rejects French Offers, Prioritizes England Ambitions

Maro Itoje has disclosed that he turned down lucrative offers from French rugby clubs, Lyon and Toulon, to focus on his international ambitions with England. Leading England into the Six Nations clash, Itoje expressed satisfaction with his decision to remain with Saracens, believing his time in an England shirt wasn't over. His choice was influenced by the RFU's rule that renders players in overseas clubs ineligible for selection, a regulation that has sparked debate as it limits access to top talent. Itoje advocates for having all top players available for England, acknowledging the competitive nature of selection. Despite his respect for players who choose to play abroad, he emphasized that every athlete must make choices that benefit their careers. The current situation leaves several notable players from the 2023 World Cup squad unavailable for national selection due to this rule.