Maro Itoje assures unity in England squad despite two-tier contracts

England rugby star Maro Itoje has expressed confidence that the recent introduction of enhanced contracts for a select group of players won’t create division within the squad.

Ahead of the Autumn Internationals, Itoje, who is among the 17 players awarded enhanced contracts, clarified that the new contract structure is not a source of friction.

Under a new agreement between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Gallagher Premiership clubs, these fixed contracts offer select players an annual salary of £160,000.

This arrangement also gives head coach Steve Borthwick final authority over sports science and medical matters for those players, providing him greater influence in key areas of player management.

Players without enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts are paid on a match-by-match basis at £23,000 per game, creating a two-tier system within the squad.

However, Itoje emphasized that both groups understand their roles, and the limited contracts are intended to drive performance.

"Steve has set the tone. He said whether you have one of these or not, his job is to pick the best 23 or 15 to represent England and to do the job on Saturday," Itoje said.

"The aspiration will be to get a contract, but these things are changing.

"Just because you have a set of players for one season doesn't mean that they are going to be there for the next season and the season beyond. These things are fluid.

"Steve has made everyone aware that if you are an enhanced player and not performing then you won't play and you won't have one for very long. All of us have to make sure there is no divide, but I don't foresee that being a real bone of contention."