Steve Borthwick, head coach of England’s rugby team, and Saracens have taken a careful approach to managing Maro Itoje’s workload ahead of the upcoming November internationals. Itoje, 31, was granted an extended break over the summer while his international peers were competing in the Nations Championship, allowing him to recover after a sustained period of heavy playing time.
Itoje, who has been one of the busiest players in international rugby over the past decade in terms of Test minutes, has also carried leadership responsibilities as captain of Saracens, England, and the British and Irish Lions. The decision to rest him during the summer, coordinated between Borthwick and Saracens, came at a crucial moment with the 2025 Rugby World Cup approaching.
This summer respite enabled Itoje to complete a full pre-season for the first time since 2014. He demonstrated his refreshed form in Saracens’ narrow 40-38 victory over Leicester Tigers, where he was influential in defense and lineout play. He made 13 tackles, contributed significantly to the lineout, and notably executed two try-saving interventions. His performance was pivotal, especially after Saracens were reduced to 14 men following a red card to Nick Isiekwe.
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw praised the decision to rest Itoje, emphasizing the player’s renewed energy and positive outlook. “He’s captain of our club, he feels fresh, his wife’s happy he’s been around, everything is positive in terms of Maro Itoje,” Shaw said. He also highlighted Itoje’s leadership on the field in a challenging match situation, stating, “He’s managed that whole thing at the very top, very calmly, ‘This is what we’re going to do, this is what we’re going to ask for from you’.”
The club also marked the return of Brendan Venter as director of rugby, initiating his second tenure after previously leading Saracens to a title in the 2010-11 season. Venter, a former South African international, has maintained a relationship with the club as a consultant and remains a respected figure within the organization. Shaw complimented Venter’s influence on the squad, calling him “an unbelievably positive person” with extremely high standards.
The management’s strategic handling of Itoje’s workload reflects the broader effort to maintain player welfare while sustaining competitive performance levels as Saracens and England prepare for a significant upcoming international season.