Steve Borthwick has given the strongest indication yet that he wants the Rugby Football Union to change their controversial policy.
Under current regulations, he can only select English-based players for the national side to be reviewed as part of negotiations for a new professional game agreement with the Premiership clubs.
“What we are faced with here are some extreme circumstances,” said Borthwick.
“There are discussions ongoing about what this means and what the implications are going forward. It’s about the players’ livelihoods and careers as well. From my point of view I want to make sure we are able to select the greatest number of players possible. And the best players possible.
“Those discussions are only at their starting point and clearly my focus is on the Six Nations. But do I want to make sure we have an England team where we have the best players available to us? Yes.
“We are concentrating very much on what we need to do here, in the midst of the Six Nations. But we do know there are issues in rugby right now. I and all our players sympathise wholeheartedly with what the Welsh players have had to go through.
“Nobody should have to go through the level of uncertainty they have had. Nobody should. With that in mind, I think this game is exactly what we need. We want these big exciting games that are full of passion that allow us to concentrate on the rugby. But you’re right.
“Everyone knows it’s been a challenging situation for rugby in this part of the world. We’ve seen two clubs no longer playing Premiership rugby this season. So we need to make sure those things are right.”
22 England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
There will be 22 England-eligible players stranded in France’s Top 14 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, making them unavailable to Steve Borthwick.
RUCK’s 2023 Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.
Bayonne:
Marland Yarde – Wing, 13 caps
Bordeaux:
Gabriel Oghre – Hooker, 0 caps
Brive:
Wesley Douglas – Wing, 0 caps
La Rochelle:
Harry Glynn – Fly-half, 0 caps
Hayden Thompson-Stringer
Lyon:
Joel Kpoku – Lock, 0 caps
