England captain Maro Itoje has left the national squad with immediate effect as head coach Steve Borthwick considers resting his skipper ahead of this summer’s inaugural Nations Championship Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Itoje reported to England camp on Monday but departed later that evening following discussions with Borthwick and performance chief Phil Morrow over his workload.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
The 31-year-old recently completed a gruelling 2024/25 campaign, captaining the British & Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory over Australia and extending his season into August. He has also exceeded the Rugby Football Union’s recommended player welfare limits by featuring in more than 30 matches in each of the past two seasons.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Borthwick confirmed there is no injury concern, but admitted the possibility of giving Itoje time off remains under active consideration.
“Maro came into camp yesterday, as we agreed prior to camp, and then left camp last night because we thought it was the right thing for him.”
“No, Maro Itoje does not have an injury, but you’re well aware of the last year or so that Maro has had, so it’s one of the conversations that’s ongoing.”
No final decision has been made on whether Itoje will feature in the summer Tests, with Borthwick balancing immediate needs against preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
England face a demanding tour schedule of three Test matches in three weeks across three continents, but Borthwick remains confident his squad is eager for the challenge.
Rugby Referee Worth £39M? The Wealthiest Rugby Stars Ranked from 10 to 1
In this list, we count down the 10 wealthiest rugby stars and personalities in 2025, with all figures based on publicly available estimates.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
All figures are estimated.
10. Nigel Owens (Wales, Referee) – £8M
One of the most respected referees in rugby history, Nigel Owens built his fortune through officiating, television appearances, after-dinner speaking and media work following his retirement from international rugby.
9. Sébastien Chabal (France) – £10M
Known for his iconic beard and ferocious playing style, Sébastien Chabal became one of rugby’s most marketable figures. Endorsements, television appearances and business ventures have helped the former French international amass a significant fortune.
8. David Campese (Australia) – £12M
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, David Campese has earned millions through sponsorships, speaking engagements and commercial ventures since his legendary playing career ended.
7. Dan Carter (New Zealand) – £15M
The All Blacks fly-half remains one of rugby’s biggest global icons. Lucrative contracts in New Zealand, France and Japan, along with major endorsement deals, have helped Carter build an estimated £15 million fortune.
6. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – £15M
Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw has turned his remarkable playing career into lasting financial success through endorsements, aviation and various business interests.
5. Francois Pienaar (South Africa) – £15M
The captain who lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup became an international icon. Since retiring, Pienaar has enjoyed a successful career in business and broadcasting.
4. Bryan Habana (South Africa) – £15M
One of the greatest finishers in rugby history, Bryan Habana has built his wealth through endorsements, television work and entrepreneurial ventures following his illustrious Springbok career.
3. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) – £20M
A unique sporting superstar, Sonny Bill Williams combined elite rugby contracts with a successful boxing career, sponsorship deals and business projects to create one of rugby’s largest fortunes.
2. Mike Tindall (England) – £25M
The former England centre has significantly increased his wealth through television appearances, podcasts, endorsements and high-profile media work. His marriage to Zara Tindall has further elevated his public profile.
1. Simon McDowell (Ireland) – £39.3M
Former international referee Simon McDowell tops the list. Away from rugby, he became a hugely successful businessman through Kilwaughter Minerals, making him one of the wealthiest figures associated with the sport.
EDITORS PICKS
- Henry Pollock’s Brutal Two-Word Comment About Bristol Bears win
- The 15 Hardest Rugby Players Ever Ranked
- England’s Red Roses Partners Revealed Ahead of Six Nations Grand Slam Decider
- Saracens Mock Henry Pollock After Owen Farrell Nails Stunning Line-Out Throws
- Ellie Kildunne: 10 Things to Know About England’s Six Nations star
Rugby Quiz: Can you name every Prem winner?
Since its inaugural 1987–88 season, English Premiership Rugby has produced unforgettable champions, legendary squads, and some of the fiercest rivalries in the sport.
From dominant dynasties to dramatic underdog triumphs, this quiz will test how well you remember every club that has lifted the title. Can you name every Premiership Rugby winner since the league began?
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading