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How England rebuilt Maro Itoje: Inside the ‘magic’ masterplan that got shattered captain back ‘firing on all cylinders’ – and kept him out of French clubs’ clutches

Something needed to be done, and England and Saracens swiftly drew up a plan with a simple aim: let Itoje recuperate both mentally and physically, then be all guns blazing for the 2027 World Cup.

By ALEX BYWATER · Daily Mail

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 2:00 AM

Key Things to Know

England and Saracens implemented a rest plan to rebuild Maro Itoje mentally and physically after heavy career workloads.
Itoje turned down lucrative offers from French clubs to sign a new deal at Saracens under an enhanced RFU contract.
The 32-year-old lock will earn his 103rd England cap against Australia after missing summer tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.

The Story in 60 Seconds

England and Saracens collaborated on a strategic management plan that granted captain Maro Itoje an extended summer off to recuperate physically and emotionally. The 32-year-old lock sat out the summer's Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina to recover following a grueling 12-season stretch and personal loss. Itoje returns to captain England as he earns his 103rd cap against Australia on Sunday.

The rest period was facilitated by Itoje's enhanced elite player squad contract with the Rugby Football Union, which also helped keep him at Saracens over lucrative offers from French clubs. Saracens head coach Joe Shaw and England head of performance Phil Morrow praised the initiative for revitalizing Itoje ahead of the autumn campaign and the 2027 World Cup.

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