Maro Itoje warned about mega-money moves abroad

England star Maro Itoje has been warned to think carefully about the big picture of his career as he plots his next move.

Itoje has learned that he will need to take a big paycut to stay at Saracens with the club limited to two Marquee players and having already extended their deal with Owen Farrell.

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MARO ITOJE WARNED ABOUT MEGA-MONEY MOVE

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A potential big-money move to France awaits Itoje but such a move would see him become ineligible to play for England and tour Australia with the Lions in 2025.

“You’ve got to think of Lions, England caps, World Cups, all these things come into contention. He goes to France and he’ll play every single week, he’ll miss out on England caps. He’ll miss out on potential Lions teams,” former Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg told TNT Sports.

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“It’s not just as easy as saying ‘I’m going to go there, I’m going to grab the money and I’m going to play rugby.’ It’s not just as easy and plain sailing as the financial things.

He added: “It’s a big old decision, and only Maro Itoje will know what’s happened. It’s not exactly a bad place to be in when you’re thinking of all the things that possibly could happen.

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“As a rugby fan, we want to still see him playing in the Premiership.”

TOUGH TO RESIST

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Former England international Tom May added that it could be tough for Itoje to turn down a sizeable contract given how short a professional rugby career can be.

“These are sums of money that it’s hard to turn down. Sporting careers are short. You have to look after your future, your family’s,” May said.

“Who could turn down opportunities like that if they’re presented?

“It’s difficult.

“Anyone that gets frustrated by whatever decision comes out of this has to realise how much would be going through his mind.

“The pros and cons of leaving a club that has set him up.

“Saracens have put Mario Itoje to where he is right now, along with a lot of hard work he has put in. These are tough decisions for him.”