Japan’s Top League is hoping to lure England star Maro Itoje as it pursues its soaring ambition of becoming the world’s leading rugby competition, its chairman told AFP.
The well-heeled league has swelled its ranks of foreign players since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, with New Zealand’s two-time World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett chief among them.
Finn Russell has also been recently linked with a move to Japan, but it seems itoje has priced himself out of a move.
The England lock, who was linked with a move to the Top 14 when Saracens were relegated, would demand a huge salary plus bonuses, according to Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti.
Asked if Itoje wanted too much money, Lorezetti told rugbyrama.fr : “Yes, it was unpayable.
“You know, we weren’t the only ones at the time: Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier were all called upon. We were talking about a salary of over £1m plus bonuses.
“That represented 10 per cent of our payroll. We made the choice not to go any further. I think he doesn’t want to move, so they come out with ridiculous demands.”
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The three highest-paid players at every Gallagher Premiership club 2021/22
Bath RFC:
- Taulupe Faletau – £475,000
- Anthony Watson – £350,000
- Danny Cipriani – £300,00
Bristol Bears:
- Charles Piutau – £1,000,000
- Steve Luatua – £620,000
- Semi Radradra – £521,000
Exeter Chiefs:
- Stuart Hogg – £550,000
- Henry Slade – £450,000
- Jonny Gray – £400,000
