Lions captain Maro Itoje reveals he could depart Saracens

Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 10:14

bySteven Smith

They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Maro Itoje could be the next big-name departure from the English game, as he admits he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of leaving Saracens to play overseas.

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The revelation adds to growing concerns that Premiership Rugby may struggle to hold on to its top stars amid financial pressures, regulation headaches, and increasing competition from foreign clubs with deeper pockets.

SARRIES SQUEEZE: ONE MARQUEE TO RULE THEM ALL

The rule limiting Premiership clubs to just one marquee player (previously two) —the high-profile, high-paid individuals exempt from the salary cap—forced Saracens into a difficult crossroads. Would it be their talismanic lock, Maro Itoje, or England’s former captain, Owen Farrell?

In the end, the decision was made for them. Farrell, following his international retirement after the Rugby World Cup, opted for a fresh challenge with Racing 92 in France. That cleared the marquee slot for Itoje… for now.

FARRELL FLIES, DOORS OPEN

toje has long been considered the face of Saracens' future. Nearly 200 appearances in, and still only 30, he’s a central figure both for club and country. But even he’s not immune to the shifting tides in English rugby.

While his current deal ties him to North London, Itoje hasn’t shut the door on a move abroad, especially with Premiership conditions growing more difficult for elite players.

“Well, I think first and foremost I love playing for Saracens, I love Saracens, and in an ideal world I would love to spend the majority if not the rest of my career at Saracens,” said Itoje.

MARO’S DILEMMA: HEART IN NORTH LONDON, EYES ON THE HORIZON

Itoje’s loyalty is clear, but so is his concern. His words paint a picture of a player torn between passion and practicality.

“Saracens is a club that I have loved being a part of, I want to stay here, I want to stay in England, I want to stay playing my rugby in England. And I think that’s good for the game, it’s good for the game to have English players in England.

“It’s good for the game to have a situation where the Premiership is thriving, English players are in England, the clubs have their English players. I think that’s a situation where all parties win."

But that vision of a thriving Premiership may be slipping away.

PREMIERSHIP PICKLE: ENGLISH TALENT ON THE EDGE

Itoje’s words cut to the heart of the matter—English players are finding it harder and harder to justify staying put. Whether it’s the rigid salary cap, player release restrictions, or the lack of long-term financial certainty, the domestic game is feeling the strain.

“But, unfortunately, at the moment, we have the situation where it’s not, for numerous reasons. There are a number of regulations and requirements that are making it more and more difficult for English players to stay in England."

WHEN STAYING HOME STOPS MAKING SENSE

It’s a warning shot to Premiership Rugby and the RFU: adapt or keep watching top-tier talent drift away. If a player like Itoje—embedded in a club, in the England setup, and vocal about his love for the domestic game—feels pushed toward a potential move abroad, what hope is there of retaining the next generation?

The England players WAGs cheering on British & Irish Lions this summer

As the British & Irish Lions gear up for an action-packed summer tour, all eyes won’t just be on the pitch — the stands will be just as captivating.

The England players’ WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are preparing to show their unwavering support, bringing glamour, style, and plenty of team spirit along for the ride.

From sun-soaked selfies to heartfelt moments of encouragement, expect these supportive partners to be a vibrant presence throughout the Lions' campaign.

Here's a closer look at the women who’ll be roaring loudest from the sidelines this summer.

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.

The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.

Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: "Mrs I to be." Cue the collective swoon.

Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.

Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
"Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!"

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Gracie Hand - The long-term couple (Fin Smith)

Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”