Despite being let go from the squad, Bath flanker Sam Underhill remains determined to earn a recall from England boss Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Regarded as one of England’s standout performers in 2019, his sudden departure came as a surprise to the rest of the squad.
Sources close to RUCK indicate that Underhill’s desire to represent his country at the international level is undiminished.
He is said to be on Borthwick’s standby list, positioning him to potentially rejoin the team at any given moment.
Joining Underhill on the standby list are the likes of prop Mako Vunipola, winger Cadan Murley, and scrum-half Alex Mitchell.
Aware of the opportunity that lies ahead, Underhill is diligently putting in the work at the gym and has no plans of taking a summer holiday, staying focused on his aspirations to wear the England jersey once again.
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The Bath back-rower, originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, possesses the potential to represent the United States due to his place of birth.
Following a temporary absence from the England national team, he could become eligible to join the USA squad.
According to the stipulations, a three-year period of ineligibility would be imposed after his final international appearance for England, which occurred during a match against Tonga in November 2021.
Consequently, he would be able to don the Eagles jersey starting from November 2024.
The USA’s recent failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup necessitates any available assistance, and his inclusion would provide valuable support to the team.
During his childhood, his father Greg was stationed in Dayton with the RAF, yet the family relocated to Gloucester when he was approximately ten years old.
Considering his last appearance for England in 2022, he would have to wait until 2025 to represent the Eagles, coinciding with his age of just 30.