Maro Itoje returns to Saracens following summer sabbatical from England duty

England captain Maro Itoje has said he was surprised to be rested for his country's summer tour but believes the enforced break has benefited him and could be valuable for other players.

England captain Maro Itoje says he was initially taken aback by the suggestion he step away from international action for the July Tests

Itoje was rested from England’s summer tour to recharge mentally and physically

Itoje rested for Nations Championship games in July Captain has had rare full pre-season with Saracens Maro Itoje says it felt “very weird” watching England play from afar this summer but believes more top players should consider taking a break to prolong their careers. The British & Irish Lions captain was rested for his country’s three Nations Championship games in July and is now feeling the benefits of “taking a breath” after an intense year on and off the field. In addition to the burden of leadership for club and country, Itoje also lost his mother last year and, with next year’s World Cup looming, the national coach Steve Borthwick offered his skipper the chance of a mini sabbatical. He has emerged fit, healthy and mentally rested for the season ahead having enjoyed his first full club pre-season at Saracens since 2014. Continue reading...