“Didn’t even call” – Four players who won’t play for England under Steve Borthwick - Page 2 of 4 - Ruck

“Didn’t even call” – Four players who won’t play for England under Steve Borthwick

#2. Jack Nowell

The departing Exeter Chiefs winger, who joins La Rochelle this summer, has officially declared that he will not be available for England duty leading up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The speedsters decision stems from his upcoming transfer to France, which has compelled him to prematurely retire from international rugby.

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His primary objective is to concentrate on his transition to La Rochelle, the reigning champions of the Heineken Champions Cup for two consecutive seasons.

“I am not doing the World Cup, no World Cup. I am just going to chill and get my knee sorted,” said Nowell.

“It was a hard decision not to put myself in for selection for the World Cup but I thought it was something I had to do for myself and my family as well.

“We are going to make the most of being back home in Cornwall, spend the next few weeks there, and then we have got our testimonial tournament at Sandy Park on June 3.”

Going into more depth about his reasons for effectively calling an early end to his international career, Nowell explained: “Eddie [Jones] leaving, Borthers coming in.

“I was in contact with Borthers at the start and he let me know I wasn’t going to be involved in the Six Nations which is completely fair enough, new coach, new ideas. There comes a stage when everyone has got to make a decisions on the team.

Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 28th January 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

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