Lock free to feature in Premiership run-inItoje could reach playing limit on England’s tour
Maro Itoje is free to play in Saracens’ Premiership run-in as he has escaped a suspension after his citing for a dangerous tackle, a decision that could affect his availability for England this summer. Itoje had been cited for his tackle on Alfie Barbeary in the 29th minute of Saracens’ 15-12 win over Bath last Friday.
He was sent to the sin-bin by the referee, Luke Pearce, but the citing officer deemed the offence worthy of a red card. The disciplinary panel, however, determined that contact with Barbeary’s head could “properly be described as more glancing than direct in nature” and dismissed the citing, handing second-placed Saracens a major boost as they seek to successfully defend their title.
