that they estimate Itoje’s new salary to be somewhere in the region of £750,00 to £1 million.
Premiership clubs will ask players to take a huge pay-cut because of the financial effects of the coronavirus outbreak, according to multiple sources.
The Gallagher Premiership has been suspended until at least 20 April, with a further delay expected.
It has been reported that clubs’ central funding from Premiership Funding has been slashed by a quarter this week, which may reflect the demand for players to have their wages docked by 25%.
The Telegraph has reported that "Both Gloucester and Sale Sharks have called staff meetings for Friday in which they will outline the radical measures and it is believed up to seven other clubs, including Harlequins, Leicester and Wasps, are prepared to follow suit.
"Docking any wages would constitute a breach of contract and so players would have to agree to the proposal."
The board of the Rugby Players' Association met via conference call on Thursday to consider their position, and subsequently wrote to all their members to alert them to the developing situation.
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"While we fully appreciate the unprecedented times around global sport, we are also seeking urgent clarification on the current financial impact for English club rugby," RPA chief executive Damian Hopley told BBC Sport.
"Our advice is that players hear what the clubs have to say and then we will consider a collective position across the league."
The 12 highest-paid players currently in the Gallagher Premiership
With the Gallagher Premiership returning this week, we have had a look at the paid players in the league.
*NOTE: This is only a list of players whose salaries have been revealed in the media.
12. Danny Cipriani (Gloucester) - £400,000
The fly-half was on £190,000 to £200,000 when he first joined the Cherry and Whites, which was a relatively modest wage for a player of his calibre and experience. It’s been reported that his new deal is closer to £400,000.
Danny Cipriani of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Saracens and Gloucester Rugby at Allianz Park, London on September 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
11. Joe Launchbury (Wasps) - £420,000
The England second-row became the clubs highest-paid player after extending his contract earlier this season.
9-. Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks) - £450,000
9=. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) - £450,000
The Mail Online reported Slade will be paid around £450,000-a-year after signing a new two-year deal at Sandy Park earlier this year while teammate Jack Nowell will earn £350,000.
Elliot Daly of England, Henry Slade of England and Jack Nowell of England during the Quilter International Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium, Richmond, London on November 3. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
8. Paddy Jackson (London Irish) - £500,000
The number 10 will reportedly earn more than his ex-international teammate Sean O'Brien, who'll also pocket a hefty £450,000 wage packet.
5=. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) - £550,000
Manu Tuilagi of England surges forward amid the presence of Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Guinness Six Nations Round Four match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 9th March 2019. Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
5=. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) - £550,000
5=. Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) - £550,000
Mascots with Steve Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate, Bristol on September 29. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK - Rugby
4. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) - £600,000
Wales’ ‘Governor’ was a catalyst for the Ospreys, being a superb club man and racking up a points record. But he decided to sample life “outside the goldfish bowl” of Wales with a big-money offer enticing him to Northampton Saints.
3. Owen Farrell (Saracens) - £750,000
Farrell will remain at the club that he has called ‘home’ since the age of 14 until at least 2022, earning himself a hefty pay-rise in the process. His new deal means he will now earn in excess of £750,000 a season, bringing him in line with some of the highest-paid players in the world.
The look of dejection for Owen Farrell of England Rugby after the Guinness Six Nations Championship match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on February 23, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
2. Maro Itoje (Saracens) - £850,000
Various industry sources have told RugbyPass
1. Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears) - £1m
The former All Black full-back or wing, who surprised many by leaving New Zealand before reaching the peak of his powers, has allegedly become British rugby’s first million-pound man.
of Bristol Bears poses for a portrait during the Bristol Bears squad photo call for the 2018-19 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season at Ashton Gate on August 15, 2018 in Bristol, England.
