Maro Itoje has emphasized that representing England is 'the mecca' amidst concerns that Steve Borthwick's team could face a mass exodus of players due to a proposed global breakaway league. Itoje mentioned that he was unaware of the proposed competition until news of the plan surfaced last week. As one of England's top players for nearly a decade, the 30-year-old would be a prime target for the rebels. The breakaway league is reported to have reached preliminary agreements with approximately 30 prominent players, promising substantial salaries and fewer matches in an eight-team franchise competition that would travel worldwide. It would require around 200 players, with a potential launch in 2026. Backed by US and Middle East investors, and compared to LIV Golf, cricket's IPL, and Formula One, it poses the most significant threat to the established rugby order since the sport turned professional. As reported by the Guardian last week, the Rugby Football Union is maintaining its policy that only players based in the Premiership are eligible to play for England, effectively making any player joining the rebels forfeit their Test career. Itoje was among the first England players to receive an enhanced contract, worth about £160,000 annually, as part of the Professional Game Partnership between the RFU and the Premiership. He also signed a new long-term contract with Saracens in January. When asked about the breakaway league following England's disheartening loss to South Africa last Saturday, Itoje stated: 'The first time I heard of it was when it broke, we'll wait and see. Playing for England is the mecca. I don't really know any of the details of it as yet, but wearing this rose is extremely important to me and my teammates.'
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
