England star Maro Itoje is the latest player to reveal he suffered from racist abuse in the game

Maro Itoje revealed on Wednesday he has suffered racist abuse in English rugby in the wake of the RFU’s damning discrimination report and admitted it is now difficult for the country’s top stars to turn down lucrative offers abroad. 

Saracens forward Itoje weighed into two of the biggest talking points dominating the national game right now ahead of his team’s crunch Champions Cup quarter-final with La Rochelle. 

On Tuesday, English rugby’s governing body said players have experienced racism at every level of the game. The RFU investigation also upheld revelations from former England centre Luther Burrell in The Mail on Sunday of abuse about slavery and race after surveying 500 people. 

‘Obviously that’s not a great place to be. That’s not what we want in our sport,’ Itoje said. ‘We need to try to eradicate this from our sport, our game, and our lives. As a society, this is something we wrestle with from time to time. I do think there have been improvements. 

‘This is a further reminder we need to continue to challenge this and to make sure we’re holding each other to account.’ Itoje continued: ‘I’ve had a few experiences where things weren’t exactly what I’d have liked. I’ve never felt my skin colour has held me back in terms of selection. But I guess there have been occasions with individuals throughout my time that have been below standard. 

Saracens forward Maro Itoje shared that he has suffered racist abuse in English rugby

‘You challenge the situation. The thing about racism sometimes is that it’s not necessarily about the intent because a lot of people in my experience don’t realise what they are saying or doing is racist until you actually explain it to them. 

‘Highlighting the issue, talking about it, and keeping it in the forefront of our minds are all things which help, as well as formal education. 

‘History dictates there are incremental things that happen over time that bring about change. 

Luther Burrell’s revelations of racist abuse suffered during his playing career were upheld by the RFU’s investigation

‘The George Floyd moment in 2020 was a moment across the globe that highlighted that issue and put it at the forefront of our minds. The more we can sit in another person’s shoes, the better we will be in our understanding and hopefully solving this problem.’ 

Asked if the RFU’s Burrell report could be a watershed moment in eradicating racism from English rugby, Itoje said: ‘I hope so. I definitely hope we can continue to improve in this area and continue to make rugby a much more accessible sport and a much more comfortable sport for all players, regardless of skin colour or creed.’

 Itoje, 28 and a two-time Lions tourist, is one of England’s most important players and in the prime of his career. But he is also another of national head coach Steve Borthwick’s squad being targeted by French clubs. 

The RFU has already seen six experienced players in Luke Cowan-Dickie, David Ribbans, Joe Marchant, Sam Simmonds, Jack Nowell and Jack Willis agree to play in the TOP14 next season. The financial offers in France far exceed the money on offer in the Gallagher Premiership as the division tightens its belt after a season of financial turmoil. 

Itoje and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith – two of English rugby’s poster boys – are both out of contract in 2024 and are the latest to be exploring possible switches across the channel. 

Under current rules in place since 2011, English players have to feature for Premiership clubs to play for the national team although that is now under increasing pressure. RFU and Premiership bosses nonetheless remain committed to the current status quo. 

‘I love playing for Saracens. In an ideal world I would love to spend the majority, if not the rest of my career at Saracens,’ said Itoje. ‘I want to stay here. I want to keep playing my rugby in England. 

Itoje has played for Saracens for the entirety of his senior career, joining the club in 2012

Exeter Chiefs and England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie has been tempted abroad for next season

‘I think that’s good for the game, to have English players in England. But unfortunately at the moment we have a situation where for numerous reasons, there are a number of regulations and requirements that are making it more and more difficult for English players to stay in England. 

‘I think we’re seeing an unfortunate trend at the moment. There are numerous quality English players in their prime who are going abroad which has never really happened before in my career.’ 

Itoje was targeted by numerous big-spending French clubs in 2020 when Saracens were relegated from the Premiership for salary cap breaches but stayed put to continue with England. 

‘Most English players want to stay in England and play their rugby in England. We need to make it more attractive for the clubs to have English players,’ Itoje added. ‘We need to find solutions to that problem. All things being equal, I would love to be at Saracens.’