Saracens will begin their 2025\/26 Gallagher Premiership season without a number of their big names, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n While Owen Farrell is expected to make an immediate return when Saracens face the rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls later this month, and Elliot Daly is also poised to come straight into contention, others will be taking extended rest following a long summer.<\/p>\n Lions captain Maro Itoje, along with Ben Earl and Jamie George, will not feature until October as part of managed returns after their summer exploits.<\/p>\n Itoje, fresh from leading the Lions to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under, has been enjoying a honeymoon in Santorini with his new wife, Mimi, following their traditional Nigerian wedding at the end of August. The 30-year-old returned to the UK earlier this month but has continued celebrations, hosting a lavish reception at London\u2019s Devere Grand Connaught Rooms on Friday.<\/p>\n The event saw a star-studded turnout, with Saracens, England and Lions teammates among the guests. Alex Lozowski, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Nick Isiekwe, Marcus Smith and Ben Earl were all in attendance, joining in traditional Nigerian dress\u2014and even a TikTok dance captured by Andy Onyeama-Christie.<\/p>\n Itoje and Mimi took centre stage, showcasing a series of vibrant outfits and infectious energy. Reflecting on the celebrations, Itoje shared on Instagram:\u00a0\u201cUhrobo culture to the world\u2026 In case you haven\u2019t realised I had my traditional Nigerian wedding last weekend\u2026 A time was had.\u201d<\/p>\n Mimi, a model and artist, joined her husband in Australia earlier this year to celebrate his Lions success. With the wedding festivities now behind him, Itoje will turn his focus back to rugby, aiming to carry that winning momentum into the new season for both Saracens and England.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at the level\u201d \u2013 Four Springboks and four Lions in 2025 World XV<\/p>\n The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2\u20131 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous. <\/p>\n Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut\u2014evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, <\/p>\n it didn\u2019t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.<\/p>\n World XV<\/p>\n 1. Ox Nch\u00e9 (South Africa \u2014 Loose-head Prop)<\/p>\n The Springboks\u2019 scrum weapon. Ox Nch\u00e9\u2019s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He\u2019s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa\u2019s physical dominance.<\/p>\n 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland \u2014 Hooker)<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025\u2014scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan\u2019s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.<\/p>\n 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand \u2014 Tight-head Prop)<\/p>\n Now firmly established as the All Blacks\u2019 anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.<\/p>\n 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth\u2019s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.<\/p>\n 5. Maro Itoje (England \u2014 Lock)<\/p>\n Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless\u2014dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.<\/p>\n 6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne\u2019s versatility makes him a coach\u2019s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.<\/p>\n 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa \u2014 Lock\/Back-Row)<\/p>\n Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.<\/p>\n 8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand \u2014 No. 8)<\/p>\n A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE 2<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n