England captain Maro Itoje has shared some huge personal news after announcing that he and wife Mimi are expecting a baby.
The British & Irish Lions and Saracens lock revealed the news in a joint Instagram post with Mimi, sharing a series of stunning photographs showing her baby bump.
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Keeping the announcement short and sweet, they simply captioned the post: “Mum & Dad.”
The post quickly attracted thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with supporters and figures from across the rugby world sending their congratulations to the couple.
Itoje and Mimi have largely kept their relationship away from the public eye, although they married in 2025.
It marks another major milestone for the 31-year-old, who has enjoyed a remarkable few years both on and off the pitch.
Itoje was appointed England captain ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, replacing Jamie George, before going on to captain the British & Irish Lions during their 2025 tour of Australia.
One of the most decorated English players of his generation, the second-row has won multiple Premiership and European titles with Saracens and represented his country at three Rugby World Cups.
Now Itoje is preparing for an altogether different challenge as he and Mimi get ready to become parents.
The 20 Highest-Paid Rugby Players in the World in 2026
World rugby’s financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past year.
Several players who previously dominated rugby’s rich list have moved on from lucrative overseas contracts. Richie Mo’unga has left Japan, Owen Farrell has returned to Saracens, while Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk and Beauden Barrett are no longer collecting their former Japan Rugby League One salaries.
This ranking therefore uses current contracts as of July 2026, rather than outdated deals or future earning potential. It focuses primarily on estimated club salaries and recognised national-contract top-ups, while excluding sponsorship and endorsement income.
Exact figures are rarely disclosed, particularly in Japan and South Africa, so every amount should be treated as an informed estimate rather than a confirmed salary.
20. Manie Libbok – Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Estimated salary: £500,000 per year
Libbok secured the biggest contract of his career by moving from the Stormers to Japan. The Springbok fly-half’s creativity, pace and attacking instincts make him one of the Liners’ headline overseas signings.
19. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Bègles)
Estimated salary: £500,000–£600,000
The reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year has become one of the sport’s biggest stars. Bordeaux-Bègles moved quickly to secure the winger on an improved long-term contract after his remarkable rise, making him one of the best-paid young players in world rugby.
18. George Ford – Sale Sharks
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
Ford remains one of the PREM’s best-paid playmakers. The England fly-half is central to Sale’s ambitions and commands a premium because of his tactical control, experience and elite goal-kicking.
17. Marcus Smith – Harlequins
Estimated salary: £500,000–£550,000 per year
The face of Harlequins continues to be one of English rugby’s most marketable players. Smith’s club contract, combined with his England enhanced deal, places him close to the global top 20.
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16. Lood de Jager – Saitama Wild Knights
Estimated salary: £525,000–£600,000 per year
The towering Springbok lock remains a highly prized figure in Japan. His lineout expertise, physicality and vast Test experience make him one of Saitama’s most important overseas players.
15. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Estimated salary: £600,000–£685,000 per year
Farrell remains one of rugby’s biggest earners despite returning to Saracens after just one season in France. His Racing 92 deal was reported to be worth around £685,000 per year, and although his current contract is believed to be lower, the England great is still among the Premiership’s highest-paid players
