Maro Itoje to 'take the reins' at Saracens

Saracens have announced England second row star Maro Itoje as the new club captain for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

The the second-row forward - who joined the club's academy at age 14 - will lead the team as they enter a new phase. Itoje (29) has made 181 appearances for Saracens since his debut in 2013 and is approaching 200 caps. He has won five Premiership titles and three European Championships with the club.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Itoje is recognized for his work off the pitch, including his involvement in The Pearl Fund, which focuses on improving the lives of children in Nigeria and across Africa.

Itoje has earned 84 Test caps for England; featuring in two World Cups and has six caps for the British and Irish Lions. He was named Lions Player of the Series during the 2021 tour to South Africa.

Itoje described the captaincy as an “honour” and expressed confidence in the team’s direction. He acknowledged the strength of the leadership group at Saracens, indicating that the team has the potential to achieve notable success.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be asked to captain this special club. I have been here since I was 14 and it has been an amazing journey.

"I love this club and I feel that we are in a very exciting place with the talent and the people here, the energy we have and the direction we are going. 

"The great thing about team sports is I won’t be doing it alone, we have lots of leaders in this group and together we can create something really special," said Itoje.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall referred to Itoje as a "special" player who has embodied the values of the club since his early days.

“You don’t come across many people like Maro. From his early days in our academy, at 14 years old, we all knew we were witnessing the development of someone special.

"He is the epitome of a Saracens player: fiercely dedicated to his craft, kind and compassionate to his teammates, and diligent in pursuing his education and charity work away from the field. He has always led by example.

"Maro has Saracens in his DNA, and we are delighted he will captain the team and lead this club into its next chapter," concluded McCall.