- The Patron of England had the opportunity to join Owen Farrell in the top 14
- Instead, he signed a new contract in Sarracens, describe Toulouse and Racing 92
- If he had moved abroad, it would not have been eligible for the England team
England captain Maro Itje has revealed how business unfinished with the national team were behind his decision to reject a transfer to France.
The lock had the opportunity to join Jack Willis, Owen Farrell and Courtney Laws in Top 14 before signing a new contract in Saracens.
His decision was claimed when he was given the captaincy of England and tomorrow will lead the team for the first time on Twickenham.
“The reason I didn't chase that (move to France) is because I wanted to play for England,” said Itje, one of the 17 players with an improved RFU contract.
'I felt that my time in a shirt in England was not over yet. I would have been looking at England playing from the entire channel and would not have been in peace with the decision.
“There is a complete load of different factors that one can use to determine if you stay here or you go there, but I felt that if it were at that time it would have been a bit premature.”
Maro Itoje will lead England for the first time on Twickenham while England faces France
Itoje rejected a transfer to the Top 14 of France due to pending businesses with England
He chose not to follow people like Owen Farrell and Courtney Laws throughout the channel
Toulouse and Racing 92 were interested in signing Itoje, but he would not have been eligible for the England selection if he had moved abroad.
The talent exodus has left the national team for experience, with several English players interested in seeing the relaxed rules.
“We want all the best players to be available for the England's team,” Itoje added. 'We want all boys to play well playing for England, or at least be available for the selection.
'But everyone has their own races and you must make decisions that benefit it. I have a lot of respect for all the boys. I have played enough rugby and spent a lot of time with many of them. I wish you all the best.
'Many of them could be in England, but that does not mean that they are chosen because there is a lot of competition in almost all positions. Nothing is guaranteed.
Not having played for England from the World Cup, Willis has established himself as one of the most successful strikers of the Top 14, playing with Antoine Dupont in Toulouse.
When asked about Willis's absence in England's team, Dupont said: 'I am a bit surprised, but I am quite happy not playing against Jack. We know that the nightmare is in the ruck area. Its rules are different from ours.