Saracens lock Maro Itoje bags European Player of the Year award

England international and Saracens lock has won the European Player of the Year award after guiding his team to their maiden Champions Cup victory on Saturday.

Itoje, who was named the man of the match in the final against Racing 92 becomes the fourth England international and seventh player overall to bag the award.

The 15-distinct list of nominated players included Racing's Dan Carter and Juan Imhoff along with Itoje's Saracens teammates Owen Farrell, George Kruis and Billy Vunipola.

Itoje, who was also a crucial part of England's Six Nations Championship Grand Slam-winning squad, has now shifted his focus on achieving the double by defending the English Premiership Rugby title for Saracens.

Mark McCall's men are scheduled to face Leicester at Allianz Park on Saturday 21st of May.

If Saracens rout Tigers, they will meet the winner of second semi-finals between Exeter and Wasps at Twickenham on 28th of May.