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Hope for Itoje 6 Nations return?


Maro Itoje caught the eye of Alex Goode as soon as he walked in the door at Saracens (Photo: Getty Images)
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England forward Maro Itoje will be fit for the start of the Six Nations despite suffering a fractured jaw.

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There were concerns that Itoje could miss the majority of the tournament following a collision with England team-mate Mike Brown during Saracens’ derby loss to Harlequins on December 3.

The British and Irish Lion underwent surgery on Sunday, but could yet feature for European champions Sarries before England face Italy in Rome on February 4.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Maro is probably three or four weeks away.

“He went to see the specialist who said a maximum of six weeks and he’s already done a week and a half.”

The versatile Itoje has established himself as a key player for England under Eddie Jones after making his debut against Italy in February 2016.

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Phantom 38 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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