England lock Maro Itoje signs huge new contract to make him the highest-paid Premiership player

The second-rower, who has been a leading figure in the sport over the last decade is one of the most decorated players in world rugby and has now committed his future to the Men in Black.

Itoje, who has made 175 appearances for the club since bursting on to the scene in 2013 is a five-time Premiership Champion, three-time European Champion, 2016 European Player of the Year and also a three-time World Player of the Year nominee.

His meteoric rise both domestically and internationally has also seen him gain 76 caps for England including featuring in two World Cups, as well as six caps for the Lions across the 2017 tour to New Zealand and 2021 to South Africa where he was named the Lions Player of the Series.

The 29-year-old made his Saracens debut aged just 19 a decade ago in 2013, and after captaining a young side to LV= Cup success he quickly made the transition to a regular in the Gallagher Premiership.

He has since featured in five Premiership successes at Twickenham, cementing his place as one of the greats at StoneX Stadium.

Maro has also been offered an enhanced EPS contract from the RFU.

Itoje is excited for his next chapter at Saracens.

“Saracens is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here. Looking back I am very proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years and it is the best place for me to keep progressing.

With the squad we have I really believe we have some massively exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to be a part of it moving forward.”

RUCK.co.uk examines the top six highest-paid players in the world. We've based our figures on reports from trusted news sources and databases to boost our accuracy.

All figures mentioned are before tax – unless specified – and do not include bonuses, extra fees and players' various sponsorship deals which, in some cases, can instantly double their annual income.

During his tenure at Montpellier, the Springbok fly-half was known as one of the highest-earning players in the sport, purportedly receiving an annual salary exceeding one million.

However, his transfer to Leicester Tigers entailed a reduction in pay, although he is still believed to be earning a respectable sum at Welford Road.

The Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport.

The only Welshman on this list, Biggar was previously earning around £600,000 at Northampton Saints, having joined the Gallagher Premiership side from the Ospreys. However, he recently left the Saints to join French giants Toulon, where he is reportedly earning around £800,000.

When Itoje was rumoured to be interested in joining Racing 92 two years ago, club president Jacky Lorenzetti let slip that the lock wanted 1million euros for the deal to go through. Exact figures on Itoje's current salary at Saracens vary but it is reported that his new deal will be around £1m per season following the departure of Farrell.

The Scotland fly-half, known for his unpredictable nature, had previously earned an annual salary of £850,000 while playing for Racing 92.

However, his recent agreement with Premiership club Bath is believed to be even more financially rewarding.

Speculations put his new deal at approximately £950,000, though certain sources indicate that it could reach an impressive £1 million per year for the entire three-year duration of his contract at the Rec.

The exclusive scoop was first reported by RUCK earlier today, revealing an agreement between Saracens and the Parisian club.

The Telegraph later confirmed the blockbuster move, disclosing that Farrell has officially inked a three-year deal with Racing 92.

A statement from Racing read: “Racing 92 can confirm the signing of Owen Farrell (32) for our men’s team. The England international has joined for two seasons and will join up with the ciel et blanc from July 1 2024.”

One report in France indicates that the former England captain could be earning up to £1.2m per season.

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.