In a scathing critique, Joe Marler has condemned the RFU’s unwavering stance on barring Steve Borthwick from selecting English players competing abroad.
In a recent statement, Bill Sweeney, the head honcho of the Rugby Football Union, has unequivocally affirmed that there will be no amendments to England’s eligibility criteria.
This means adhering to the rule stipulating that players representing England must be actively engaged in Premiership rugby.
Sweeney highlighted that departing players have engaged in discussions with head coach Steve Borthwick. Notably, he pointed out that for some players, the decision to leave was partially influenced by lifestyle preferences.
“If you look at the number of players going abroad, it doesn’t really impact our core group,” Sweeney said.
“Where we currently stand on the policy of only selecting players based in England stays as it is.”
He added: “If you actually look at the players we’ve got abroad, they probably made a decision in terms of ‘where’s my England career currently?'” he added.
“‘Am I in contention for a place in those hybrid contracts? Am I in that core group of England players going forward?’
“There are maybe one or two that you think we would rather have over here,
“Joe Marchant is rumoured to be coming back to the Premiership this year, so from our perspective, we are okay with it.
“We think there is a performance advantage to having those players based in your own country.”
Joe Marler wrote on X: “Lift the bloody oversees ban!” before suggesting the RFU implement a minimum cap rule.
He added: “Get a “minimum cap rule” in place and let the boys play!”
AI predicts every Rugby World Cup winner until the year 2063 with crazy results
Artificial Intelligence has predicted every Men’s Rugby World Cup until the year 2063 and the results are crazy.
AI has predicted England to win three Webb Ellis Cup’s with triumphs for New Zealand and South Africa also predicted.
They’ve also predicted a first Rugby World Cup triumph for Ireland, though many fans today won’t be around to see it.
Check out the next 10 Rugby World Cup winner’s below.
2027: New Zealand
2031: England
