Maro Itoje unaware of plans for breakaway competition as lock pledges commitment to England

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. News broke last week of plans to launch a franchise tournament that would sit outside of rugby’s existing structures, with organisers taking inspiration from cricket’s Indian Premier League and Formula 1. There is hope that any new league could fit alongside international rugby but with the Rugby Football Union firm in its’ commitment to only picking players based in England, any rebels could face a choice between new franchise contracts and international involvement. Itoje voiced his concern that he would be forced to miss key games for Saracens ahead of England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign in a year that could well include a British & Irish Lions tour next summer. open image in gallery Maro Itoje hopes to win his 88th cap against Japan on Sunday “There is obviously a different challenge with Japan, but this week is another opportunity.