In a significant move, Racing 92 has officially unveiled the signing of the emerging English talent, Henry Arundell.
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The dynamic 20-year-old winger, whose career had been in limbo following London Irish’s administration woes in June, is set to bolster the Top 14 club’s squad after the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.
Notably, Arundell will be sharing the Racing 92 spotlight with none other than the illustrious Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi, who has inked a deal to remain with the club until 2026.
Racing 92’s recruitment drive doesn’t stop there, as they have also secured the services of Fiji’s electrifying sensation, Josua Tuisova, and the robust Welsh lock, Will Rowlands, in preparation for the upcoming season.
Furthermore, the squad will see reinforcements in the form of fly-half Tristan Tedder, making the switch from Perpignan, and the dynamic duo of scrum-halves, James Hall and Clovis Le Bail, previously of Stade Francais and Pau, respectively.
However, Arundell’s transition to the Top 14 league has raised concerns about his eligibility for future selection by the England national team. Under the current selection policies, players competing outside of England, including in the Top 14, could be deemed ineligible for national team selection in the upcoming season. This development places Arundell’s aspirations of representing England in jeopardy.
There may be a glimmer of hope for the young flyer, as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has previously made exceptions for players whose Premiership clubs faced financial turmoil. Notably, players like Jack Willis were initially permitted to don the England jersey despite playing for Toulouse after Wasps’ turbulent season last year. This loophole could potentially offer a lifeline to Arundell’s international ambitions.
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Telegraph: “Bagged five tries, with a classy fourth the pick of the bunch, and still left one feeling as though he can grow into a more devastating force at this level.”
Rugby Pass: “After two anonymous starts, where we weren’t shy in marking him poorly, he must get top marks here for his five-try display. His first two were walk-ins but the 20-year-old still deserved credit for them as he showed there were no nerves on this occasion unlike before. His first was especially important in the context of this game as well, grabbing a looping Farrell pass to badly pierce surging Chilean optimism at 0-0. His chip kick and regather on the hour was the pick of his scores, though. If the regular England played with the intent of getting the ball to the wingers, he would ne a shoo-in for the rest of the tournament Borthwick unfortunately prefers a much narrower attack.”
Planet Rugby: “Prolific personified. The youngster absolutely sparkled for England, equalling the record for most tries in a World Cup game for his country, crossing the line FIVE times. It was a perfect day for the superstar who scored everything from walk-ins to well-executed chips and chases. Historic day for the wing.”