Saracens Reject Calls for Maro Itoje's Season-Long Rest
England captain Maro Itoje will not be granted an extended break by his club side Saracens, despite both the player and his national team enduring a deeply disappointing Six Nations campaign. The decision comes amid widespread calls for the 31-year-old lock to be rested for the remainder of the season to recuperate physically and emotionally.
A Challenging Period On and Off the Pitch
Itoje's difficulties have been multifaceted. Last season, he exceeded the 30-game limit intended to protect English rugby's elite players, having captained the British & Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia. His return to England duty was then delayed following the tragic loss of his mother, Florence, casting a shadow over his preparations.
His on-field performances during the Championship failed to reach his usual exceptional standards. Itoje was yellow-carded twice as England managed just a single victory, finishing fifth in what statistically became their worst Six Nations campaign in history. This poor collective and individual form led to significant public and media pressure for Saracens to give their star player a prolonged period of recovery.
Club Boss Confirms Short-Term Rest Only
However, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has firmly rejected those calls. On Tuesday, he confirmed that while Itoje and fellow England international Jamie George would be rested immediately, their absence would be brief.
'We'll definitely rest Maro and Jamie George immediately,' McCall stated. 'It's been a very busy six or seven weeks for them. They've put a lot into those six or seven weeks, both physically and emotionally. I think the right thing for those two players is to get a rest right away.'
McCall elaborated on Itoje's specific situation, noting the player's own desire to return. 'There are obviously a few things to consider with Maro. He wants to play at the club. He's keen to get back. I'm sure he'll be available for the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (against Northampton on March 28). But he definitely needed a week away from a rugby environment.'
Regulations and a Defence of Form
The decision aligns with Premiership Rugby regulations, which mandate that players featuring in all of England's Six Nations matches must be rested for one of their club's next three league fixtures. McCall also offered a robust defence of Itoje's recent performances, challenging the narrative of a player in decline.
He pointed out that Itoje's season has been disrupted by injuries, including delayed concussion symptoms after the Lions tour and a minor knee issue, limiting his early-season game time. 'I don't know if I agree with everything that's been said around him [about form and rest],' McCall said. 'This is not a season where he's played that much. His best performance of the season was on Saturday night [in the defeat by France] by a long way. He showed all of his qualities. The longer the competition went on, the better he was.'
Injury News for Other England Stars
In related news, the physical toll of the international window was evident elsewhere. Northampton Saints confirmed that their England stars, scrum-half Alex Mitchell and lock Alex Coles, are set for at least a month on the sidelines. Mitchell sustained a hamstring injury, while Coles picked up an ankle problem, both during their duties with the national team.
This context underscores the intense physical demands placed on top players, making Saracens' management of Itoje's workload a closely watched issue as the domestic season reaches its climax.
