SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • You are here: Home ∼ Itoje: Saracens scandal felt like invasion of privacy

    Itoje: Saracens scandal felt like invasion of privacy

    Maro Itoje Maro Itoje
    Published on February 14, 2020

    England lock Maro Itoje said being thrust into the spotlight during the Saracens’ salary cap scandal felt like an invasion of his privacy.

    The defending Premiership champions were relegated from England’s top flight after being found to have breached the 7 million ($9 million, 8.4 million euros) salary cap limit imposed on all 12 clubs.

    Itoje found himself at the centre of the issue after the full report into Saracens was leaked. The report showed Itoje had been paid 1.6 million for a 30 percent share of his image rights, while an alternative valuation sought by Premier Rugby Limited estimated he was overpaid by 800,000 and that, as a consequence, this amount was deemed to be salary.

    ‘It wasn’t ideal,’ Itoje said. ‘It felt like an invasion of privacy but some things are out of your control.

    ‘When I entered into them (the agreements) they were all – to my knowledge, based on anything I got told – above board,’

    Itoje was resolute that he had not knowingly breached the Premiership regulations by entering into business deals with former Saracens owner Nigel Wray.

    ‘There wasn’t even the slightest thought of it being not allowed by the (Premiership’s) salary cap manager.

    ‘Obviously the situation is very different now. It is very clear that whatever you do, you have to get it checked.’

    The salary cap system is currently under review and it has been suggested the Premiership could follow American team sports such as the NFL by publishing details of players’ wages.

    Itoje, though, is wary of such a proposal, saying he would feel uncomfortable if everybody knew what he was earning.

    ‘I’m sure it works in a lot of different places but, believe it or not, when it comes to finances I’m quite a private person.

    ‘On an individual level, I wouldn’t want anybody or everybody knowing exactly what I’m earning, but fortunately we’re not public officials.

    ‘Obviously there is a salary cap manager and that’s his job is to make sure everything is as it should be.’

    Photo: Getty Images

    Have you signed up to our newsletter? Click here to join the thousands of readers who are part of our newsletter community

    Posted in English Premiership, Top headlines Tagged English Premiership, Maro Itoje, Saracens

    Post by SA Rugby magazine

    SA Rugby magazine




    ← Previous Next →

    Playing Bok Selector: A wealth of riches at lock

    With the B&I Lions series fast approaching and key men still injured,...

    Closer look: Stormers’ options at hooker

    All will not be lost for the Stormers even if Springbok hooker...

    Bulls building enviable back-row depth

    The expected signing of Jacques du Plessis means that the Vodacom Bulls...

    Column: JP Pietersen was a modern-day Rolls-Royce

    JP Pietersen retired without much fanfare, but his impact on the game...

    Terblanche column: Looking after the little guys

    SA Rugby needs a new business model to benefit the big franchises...

    Local coaches facing new challenges

    South Africa’s franchise coaches face a player management challenge in a hectic...

    Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

    SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

    Column: When context is needed

    As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

    Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

    The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

    From the mag: Foreign Favourites

    As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

    Bulls rookies to watch

    After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

    Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

    For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

    VIEW MORE


    COVID-19 Corona Virus
    South African Resource Portal

    ABOUT

    • Contact us
    • Competitions
    • Videos
    • Player Features
    • Subscribe
    • Terms and conditions

    TOURNAMENTS

      • Rugby Championship
      • Super Rugby
      • Currie Cup
      • Varsity Cup
      • Gold Cup
      • Schools
      • Six Nations
      • Champions Cup
      • World Cup

    OPINION

    • Mallett on SuperSport
    • Cardinelli column
    • Lewis column
    • Xabanisa column
    • Borchardt column
    • Superbru

    Primary Menu

    • Home
    • Match Centre
    • British & Irish Lions
    • Videos
    • Supabets