England has made the decision to include Maro Itoje in the upcoming tours to Japan and New Zealand, despite the player being close to reaching the welfare safeguard for minutes played. Itoje has accumulated a total of 2,231 minutes across 29 matches this season, just shy of the agreed limit of 2,400 minutes.
The 2018 agreement between the Rugby Players’ Association, the Rugby Football Union, and Premiership Rugby stipulates that players should not exceed a maximum of 35 match involvements or 30 full-game equivalents, equating to a total of 2,400 minutes. With Saracens potentially facing two play-off games prior to the matches against Japan and the All Blacks, Itoje is expected to surpass the agreed limit.
Despite this impending limit, England head coach Steve Borthwick has indicated that Itoje will still be included in the tour. Although Itoje is likely to exceed the 30 full-game equivalents, the RFU is reportedly comfortable with the situation, as he will not surpass 35 match involvements.
This situation mirrors the 2022 tour to Australia, where full-back Freddie Steward also exceeded the limit. At that time, the RFU explained that Steward’s age and position made him less susceptible to injury.
Maro Itoje’s exceptional performance and involvement have been highlighted, with him recording the most combined actions of tackles, carries, and rucks hit of any European player. This analysis, conducted by Opta and based on data from the World Cup and Six Nations, underscores Itoje’s significance to the team.
The player limit was established based on research conducted by the University of Bath, which found that players who exceed the threshold are at a significantly higher risk of injury in the following season. Saracens argue that Itoje’s increased involvement was due to his World Cup commitments, including warm-up games, and that next season, he will be preparing for a Lions tour to Australia.
Despite the apprehension surrounding the decision to include Maro Itoje on the upcoming tours, England and the RFU are confident in their choice. With Itoje’s exceptional talent and commitment to the sport, it is evident that England is eager to have him on board for these highly anticipated matches.