Reports have surfaced that England’s Maro Itoje is eyeing a move to France’s Top 14 in pursuit of a mega-bucks deal, and retired Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has voiced his concerns about the potential impact on Itoje’s international career.
The Saracens lock is reportedly considering a deal worth a whopping £1 million, with interest coming from French clubs Lyon and Toulon. However, this move could mean sacrificing the opportunity to represent both England and the iconic British & Irish Lions.
The murmurs of Itoje’s potential move to France have sparked speculation regarding the practicality of such a momentous decision. With Saracens grappling with new salary cap regulations, accommodating Itoje’s financial demands could prove challenging, especially as the league currently permits only a single marquee player.
Adding to the intrigue are talks of a hybrid contract with the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Reports suggest that the RFU is considering contracts for 25 players, a move that would allow head coach Steve Borthwick greater control over key members of the England squad. Under this arrangement, players would continue with their clubs while being tied to national team obligations.
The proposition of Itoje donning the colours of a French club presents the allure of a significant financial windfall, but it raises legitimate concerns about the impact on his international career, a point emphasized by Stuart Hogg.
Hogg stressed the complexity of Itoje’s potential move, highlighting the broader implications associated with such a decision. “It’s not just as easy as saying ‘I’m going to go there, I’m going to grab the money, I’m going to play rugby. He goes to France he will play every single week and he’ll miss out on England caps and potential Lions seasons,” remarked Hogg during an interview with TNT Sports.
The financial allure of French rugby could indeed place Itoje in a tight spot, forcing him to weigh up the financial gains against the potential impact on his international career. The decision, as Hogg pointed out, is a big one, and one that only Maro Itoje himself can make.
The potential ramifications of Itoje’s decision are significant, and could potentially reshape the rugby landscape for both club and country. It remains to be seen what path Itoje ultimately decides to take, but the allure of a lucrative deal in France is undoubtedly a tantalizing prospect.