Maro Itoje: Saracens appoint England striker as captain for 2024-25 season

Itoje, who signed a long-term contract in January, has made 181 appearances for Sarries since making his debut as a teenager, winning five Premier League titles and three European Champions Cups in that time.

But this heralds a new era for StoneX Stadium with the departure of Farrell, along with the three Vunipola brothers and the retirement of Alex Lewington and Sean Maitland, all of whom made significant contributions to their golden run of success.

However, for director of rugby Mark McCall, Itoje was the obvious choice to lead the new team on the field.

“You don’t come across many people like Maro,” McCall said.

“From the very beginning of his time at our academy, at the age of 14, we all knew we were witnessing the development of someone special.

“He is the epitome of a Saracens player: fiercely dedicated to his craft, kind and compassionate to his team-mates and diligent in pursuing his education and charity work off the pitch. He has always led by example.”