Maro Itoje is to commit his future with Saracens and England by signing a contract extension beyond next year’s World Cup, despite interest from several Top 14 clubs.

Reports in the French media this week said that reigning Champions Cup champions Bordeaux Bègles and Perpignan were among those clubs who had expressed an interest in signing the England captain.

A move to France would have effectively brought to an end the 31-year-old’s England career because of the Rugby Football Union’s overseas rule.

However, Brendan Venter, Saracens’ head of culture and technical director, revealed that Itoje, who captained the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer, has agreed terms with the Prem club.

It is thought his extension runs until 2029, which would ensure he has another opportunity to represent the Lions, who are due to tour New Zealand that year.

“Maro is staying,” Venter said. “He has agreed with the owner. It’s brilliant of Maro, he is everything we want at the club. He’s an unbelievable human being, he’s a brilliant leader, he’s such a good rugby player, I’m so glad the owner and him could agree terms.”

Itoje, who was rested by England during the Nations Championship matches in July against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, will return as captain for next month’s matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Venter said the break had been beneficial to Itoje. “He’s always got energy, so Maro’s been so good in the pre-season for us,” he added. “We’re lucky because Maro is always developing.”

News of Itoje’s contract extension will be welcome news for Steve Borthwick, the England head coach. He lost Tom Willis, who would have been a central figure in next year’s World Cup, when he moved to join Bordeaux Bègles this season. His brother Jack, who plays at Toulouse, is another high-profile player who is currently unavailable for international selection because of the overseas rule, which prevents Borthwick from picking players who are not based in England.

Venter also predicted a big future for Saracens lock Olamide Sodeke, the 21-year-old, former England Under-20 forward, who sustained a broken hand in the defeat by Connacht last Saturday.

“He’s going to be brilliant,” Venter added. “He’ll be out for six weeks, but he’s going to be so good. There’s loads of them that are going to be so good, English rugby is actually very healthy, there are loads of good players coming through.”