Maro Itoje has lifted the lid on when he plans to call time on his glittering career – and the countdown is officially on.

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Speaking to The Times in July 2025, the Saracens lock revealed he intends to retire at 35. With Itoje currently 31, that sets his exit for 2029.

That timeline leaves just one more Rugby World Cup in an England shirt.

“I want to go out on my terms”

Itoje was clear that his decision is about control, longevity and legacy.

“When I’m 35. That’s a healthy age to retire. It’s a good age to throw yourself at a new challenge and it gives me a good four years to really dip into the rugby.

I don’t want to leave rugby when I’m clinging on. I want to go out on my terms, while I’m fit.”

It’s a typically measured response from a player who has built a career on discipline, intelligence and elite standards. No hanging on for one season too many. No fading quietly. Just a firm line in the sand.

One last World Cup shot

If everything goes to plan, Itoje will enter the next global tournament in his mid-30s – battle-hardened, experienced and still central to England’s pack. After that, the curtain falls.

For a player who debuted as a 21-year-old phenom and became one of the faces of English rugby, 2029 suddenly doesn’t feel far away.

His toughest opponent? An All Blacks icon

During the same Q&A, Itoje was also asked about the most formidable opponent he’s faced. His answer: former Kieran Read captain and All Blacks legend.

Itoje admitted he initially underestimated the world-class No.8.

“Before playing him, my analysis was ‘not that big; can’t be that strong’. Wrong.

He carried hard, he tackled hard, he was a great lineout jumper, and he was so clever. He was as complete a back-row forward as one could get.”

High praise from one of the game’s premier second-rows.

With four years left on the clock, Itoje’s mission is simple: empty the tank, chase silverware, and ensure that when 35 arrives, he walks away with nothing left to give.

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2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

As the host nation, Australia was placed in Pool A, while the rest of the line-up was revealed as the teams were drawn.

Men’s Rugby World Cup is heading to Australia and organisers announced that it would be bigger than ever in welcoming the world: 24 nations and territories, seven cities, six weeks, one cup. Fans had been invited to register their interest for pre-sale details.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson was joined on stage by former Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks legend Dan Carter, Australia’s most-capped male player, James Slipper, and Australian Olympics gold medallist, Alicia Lucas, as they conducted the draw.

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

Pool Aw

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

Pool B

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Pool C

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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