John Mitchell backs Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola to take right decision with England future in mind

England defence coach John Mitchell has backed Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola to make the right decision over their future with Saracens keeping in mind their Test career.

Sarries, who had dominated the Premiership in the last few years with four titles from five seasons apart from their success in the Champions Cup but now will be relegated to the second tier Championship at the end of the season following a series of salary cap breaches.

While their fellow internationals Billy Vunipola, Jamie George and Elliot Daly have already committed their immediate future with Saracens despite the relegation, Itoje and Mako are yet to make a decision and Mitchell feels their outcome should be based on their future with England.

"I'm sure Eddie, as he is very good at, is guiding them and helping them. They'll probably seek his advice at some point," said Mitchell.

"They've got people they respect in their families and friends and they've got people within Saracens they respect who they have built up trust with.

"I'm quite confident both of them will make good decisions - decisions that are right for them and their families but also what's right for them in terms of playing Test rugby for England, because they are two guys who love playing for England."

The Premiership season is currently on a suspension following the pandemic coronavirus while four matches of Six Nations also have been postponed which is expected to be played later this year.