While a new global tournament would be staged away from international windows, the different selection policies of each nation would affect whether those involved could play Test rugby. Five of South Africa's starting XV in their win over England on ...

Maro Itoje has said that he is unaware of any plans for a breakaway rugby competition and suggest that he would not jeopardise playing for England rugby should such a venture develop. News broke last week of plans to launch a franchise tournament that would sit outside of rugby’s existing structures,

Maro Itoje says representing England will always remain his “mecca” after the emergence of a breakaway league that threatens to split the sport apart.