Rejected.

Premiership Rugby clubs have blocked a sensational loan move that would see Saracens lock Maro Itoje play in France next season while still being available for international selection.

Itoje has reportedly been offered a seven-figure sum to join Top 14 giants Racing 92 next season on loan with Saracens set to be relegated to the Championship following a number of salary cap breaches.

England boss Eddie Jones was hoping a deal could go through with the second-row remaining available for national selection given the circumstances.

The clubs, however, have seemingly blocked the loan proposal, insisting it does not fit the “exceptional circumstances” clause that would allow Itoje to remain eligible for selection.

“Maro asked to go and play for Racing 92 on a one-year loan and the RFU and Eddie Jones were amenable to that, believing these were exceptional circumstances,” a source told the Guardian.

“It required approval from the representatives from Premiership Rugby [PRL], who make up the Professional Game Board with the RFU, and they have not given it.”

Section 4.34 of the Professional Game Agreement has recently been tightened with “exceptional circumstances” clause now reportedly applying solely to injury-related scenarios.