Maro Itoje is back with Saracens after his extended break from rugby – but the England captain has already decided when he wants to call time on his career.
The 31-year-old was rested from England’s summer Nations Championship campaign following a huge workload for club and country.
It gave Itoje a rare chance to properly switch off. He also completed his first full pre-season with Saracens since 2014.
Speaking ahead of the new Gallagher PREM season, Itoje admitted he initially needed convincing to step away.
“I was taken aback initially because it just never entered my mind,” he said.
“I kind of had it in my mind that ‘this is the way the cookie crumbles’ and you just have to power through.
“But the more I thought about it, the more I kind of agreed with it.”
Itoje believes the break could now help extend his career.
“I feel very good for it. Very good. I don’t regret it at all,” he said.
“In some respects it was a little bit weird being away from the team, especially whilst games were going on.
“But at the same time I felt like it was the right thing to do.”
The Guardian reports that Itoje deliberately avoided watching England’s games live to give himself a proper mental break.
Itoje sets retirement date
Despite returning refreshed, Itoje has already decided roughly when he wants to walk away.
The Saracens lock plans to retire at 35.
“When I’m 35. That’s a healthy age to retire,” Itoje told The Times.
“It’s a good age to throw yourself at a new challenge and it gives me a good four years to really dip into the rugby.
“I don’t want to leave rugby when I’m clinging on. I want to go out on my terms, while I’m fit.”
Itoje has previously said he wants to play until 35 or 36, adding: “I hope the next five years are the most fruitful.”
That should give him another shot at the Rugby World Cup with England in 2027.
It could also leave the door open for one final British & Irish Lions tour in 2029.
Family life with wife Mimi
There are big changes happening away from rugby too.
Itoje married long-term partner Mimi in 2025, and the couple are now preparing to welcome their first child.
The England captain confirmed the news with Mimi in August, with the pair simply writing “Mum & Dad” alongside photos showing her baby bump.
Itoje’s recent break therefore came at an important time both personally and professionally.
“I would argue that the mental recovery was far more significant than physically,” he explained.
“Physically, I’m fine.
“Where I have been fortunate this time around is I have had a break, but physically I am healthy.”
For now, Itoje’s attention is firmly back on rugby as Saracens begin another Gallagher PREM campaign.
But with a young family on the way and his retirement plan already mapped out, the England captain knows there are only a few more years to achieve everything he wants in the game.
