Maro Itoje believes England players will be denied the chance to play in the Global Breakaway League, which is threatening to upend rugby.
Itoje describes his country as a “mecca” in response to plans to launch a new competition in 2026 involving more than 200 of the game’s biggest stars.
The league, which is in the early stages of development, will see franchises travel around the world in a similar vein to Formula One.
“Playing in England is Mecca,” said Itoje, who revealed he did not know about the plans until they were first revealed on Thursday.
“I don’t know the details yet, but putting this rose on is very important to me and my teammates.”
Itoje is one of 17 players to sign an enhanced Elite Player Squad contract worth £160,000 per year with the Rugby Football Union.
England manager Steve Borthwick has the option of offering up to eight more contracts, which could tie some of England’s biggest names to the RFU.
Although the new competition will be held outside the international competition period, the RFU will only allow players competing in the Gallagher Premiership to be considered for England selection.