EXCLUSIVE Maro Itoje is set to stay at Saracens with the RFU prepared to step in to offer a hybrid contract… as the governing body remain desperate to ensure key England stars don’t join the exodus from Premiership clubs

• Maro Itoje has been a star player for Saracens since making his debut in 2012
• His future at the club was uncertain due to salary cap limits the club is facing
• However, the RFU are set to step in to ensure he stays and can play for England 

The RFU is set to step in to ensure Maro Itoje continues playing for Saracens and England.

Itoje is set to be offered one of the first hybrid contracts by English rugby’s governing body to ensure he does not join the exodus from Premiership clubs.

Under the salary cap, Itoje’s contract offer from Saracens has been halved, reduced from approximately £825,000 a year to £425,000.

The forward’s predicament sparked interest from cash-rich clubs in France and Japan, leaving English rugby at risk of losing one of their star assets.

The RFU is ready to intervene by offering an additional £150,000 through a hybrid contract, equating to around £575,000 to secure Itoje’s future.

Maro Itoje is set to stay at Saracens with the RFU prepared to step in to offer a hybrid contract

The governing body are keen to ensure he does not join the exodus from Premiership clubs

Remaining in the Premiership means Itoje will continue to be eligible to play for England, maximising his commercial earnings.

At a cost of £3.75million per year, the RFU is looking to offer hybrid contracts to 25 players.

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