Saracens in talks to extend Maro Itoje contract beyond 2027 World Cup

Saracens are in discussions to extend England captain Maro Itoje's contract beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, according to BBC Sport. The second row's existing agreement runs until after the tournament, and the club is hopeful of securing a new deal. The report does not announce an agreement or give a timetable for completing negotiations.

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Itoje will be 33 by the end of next year's World Cup. He has been with Saracens since his teenage years and remained at the club through its season in the second-tier Championship following punishment for repeated salary-cap breaches. The talks concern a continuation of that long association, rather than a newly completed contract.

Remaining in English club rugby would also preserve his eligibility for England selection under the Rugby Football Union's policy on overseas-based players. BBC Sport reports that a move to France would put his international career on hold. Staying in England would leave him eligible for a central national-team contract worth approximately £150,000 annually, alongside his club arrangements.

The financial rules provide different options for English and French clubs. According to the BBC, the French Top 14 has a headline salary cap of 11 million euros, equivalent to £9.2 million, compared with £6.4 million in England's top flight. English clubs can, however, designate one marquee player outside the cap, a provision that may give Saracens additional flexibility in negotiations.

Itoje's recent workload has already been addressed through an agreement between club and country. He was rested for England's summer fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after several demanding seasons. French domestic rugby would bring its own substantial schedule: each Top 14 club plays 26 regular-season matches, with play-offs for the top six and European fixtures adding further commitments.

England's overseas-selection restriction remains an important part of the wider picture. Former captain Courtney Lawes, now back in English rugby with Sale after two seasons at Brive, has called for the rule to be removed, while Ellis Genge has also supported a change. For now, the reported development is that Saracens and Itoje are discussing an extension; his future beyond the World Cup remains unresolved.