Six Nations 2026: Maro Itoje – Five moments that made England’s centurion

Saracens were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2019-20 season following persistent salary cap breaches, bringing more adversity for Itoje to face.

Having won three Champions Cups and four Premier League titles by the age of 25, his decision to remain loyal and help the club return to the top of English rugby could have impacted his career in England.

He was mentioned in reports as one of the players whose business ventures with Saracens owner Nigel Wray breached rules restricting spending on players – something he was unaware of.

He remained an England regular in 2020–21, while also playing a key role in Saracens’ victories over Ealing Trailfinders to secure promotion from the Championship.

Despite playing considerably less rugby, Itoje was again selected for the Lions in 2021 and impressed, being named team man of the match in the 2-1 defeat in South Africa. The risk has paid off.

In 2023, an underlying health issue during the Six Nations led to a below-par performance from Itoje.

“I had something structurally wrong and I didn’t know it was structurally wrong until I dug into it,” he said.

“To be able to persevere through that period and finally get a resolution to that was great.”

As he did four years ago, Itoje rediscovered his form to help England finish third at the 2023 World Cup.

“I won two silver medals and a bronze medal, and I desperately need the gold medal and I believe we can achieve it,” he said.

“It is a dream to play in the World Cup and win it.”