Maro Itoje linked with Top 14 clubs, with Saracens deal ending after World Cup

Two French clubs have been linked with Maro Itoje, The Guardian and BBC Sport reported. If he crossed the Channel, though, his Test career would be put on hold.

Both outlets reported that Top 14 sides Perpignan and Bordeaux-Begles were the clubs in the frame. BBC Sport, which reported the interest, described Bordeaux-Begles as the European champions. Itoje's deal with Saracens was signed in 2024 and was due to end after next year's Rugby World Cup.

The two leagues work with very different budgets. BBC Sport reported that the French top flight has a headline salary cap of 11 million euros (£9.2m), against the Premiership's £6.4m.

But a move to France would put Itoje's Test career on hold, because the Rugby Football Union does not select players based overseas. If he stays in England, he remains eligible for a central England contract worth about £150,000 a year.

This is not the first time French clubs have been linked with him. Racing 92 were among them, and no move followed. When Saracens were relegated in 2020 for salary-cap breaches, Itoje stayed with the club through its single season in the second-tier Championship.

He has had a lighter international load this year. Itoje was rested for England's summer Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina after several seasons of heavy workload.

Brendan Venter said of him: "It’s brilliant of Maro, Maro is everything we want at the club."