Mark McCall, the Saracens director of rugby, launched a firm defence of Maro Itoje’s form and sharpness in the wake of criticism from Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Woodward told BBC radio’s Sportsweek programme that the 23 year-old lock had looked “out on his feet” during a NatWest Six Nations campaign in which ­England lose three matches on the way to a fifth-place finish.

However, McCall rejected that view and insisted that his player’s workload following last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour, eased by a five-week lay-off over New Year due to a fractured jaw, has been no heavier than anticipated.

Itoje has racked up 875 minutes for Saracens alongside his seven England appearances this season, which have included five ­consecutive Six Nations starts.

“There are things that have been written about certain players that aren’t all that accurate and aren’t really based on any data,” McCall said. “Maro seems to be the one who has been highlighted as ‘out on his feet’ – that’s the quote I’ve seen.