'Playing for England is the Mecca' according to Itoje amid global breakaway talk

Maro Itoje has reaffirmed his commitment to England amid talks of a proposed global breakaway league.

Steve Borthwick’s side are looking to end their five-match losing run when they face Japan in their final match of the autumn series on Sunday.

But there is fear that Borthwick could lose many of his players to the new league that reportedly are offering 40 £1m-a-season contracts for marquee players and more periods of rests for the players. 

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) only select players for the national team from English clubs, meaning any player joining the breakaway league would jeopardise their Test career. 

But Itoje has insisted that playing for England is the pinnacle for him and his teammates. 

"I don't really know any of the details of it as yet, but wearing this rose is extremely important to me and my teammates," said Itoje.

"Playing for England is the Mecca."

The 30-year-old added that he was unaware of the proposed competition, that is said to have agreed deals with about 30 stars, until news of it came out last week. 

“The first time I heard of it was when it broke, we’ll wait and see," he said. 

Itoje was among 17 England players to be included in the Elite Player Squad by the RFU and receive a salary of about £160,000 per year. 

The Saracens captain also signed a new long-term contract with his club in January. 

The breakaway league is reportedly an eight-team franchise competition that would tour the world and is aiming for a 2026 start.

England have lost six of their last seven matches and will hope to bounce back against the Japanese at Twickenham next.