"I might be a good fit" - 5 disgruntled England stars linked with move overseas

The RFU brought in a rules in 2011 that any player who chooses to play their rugby outside of the Premiership will be unable to pull on the white jersey - and they are yet to budge from that stance despite significant pressure to do so.

No longer playing for England, which can see players make over £20,000 per match, means a considerable drop and income, making a big money move overseas all of sudden more tempting.

Let's take a look at five players who've been linked with moved away.

The Saracens and England forwards have on more than one previous occasion dismissed similar suggestions – but nonetheless the rumours persist.

French sports newspaper Midi Olympique wrote: “Two of the best-known internationals still playing could be making an imminent departure to France.

“Mako and Billy Vunipola are coming to the end of their contracts with Saracens and are ignored by Eddie Jones.

“Their CVs have recently been submitted to Top 14 clubs and some contacts may already have been made.

“The name Vunipola comes up repeatedly at Bordeaux Bègles. Billy Vunipola matches the profile sought to succeed Louis Picamoles and become the new spearhead of the Girondin (an area around Bordeaux) pack."

There is rumoured to be serious interest from at least two Japanese clubs for Exeter Chiefs winger, despite the speedster signing a long-term deal to stay at Sandy park in 2020.

The 28-year-old has spent his entire professional career close to his hometown of Cornwall, but now two sides in Japan are preparing a package that may tempt him overseas for one or two seasons.

Having fallen out of favour with England head coach Eddie Jones, his last appearance for his country came against Argentina during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Nowell, who has won everything he possibly can with Exeter Chiefs following their Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020, is thought to be a 'realistic' target for the Japanese sides.

Blacklisted by Jones, the scrum-half revealed earlier this year that he is interested in joining American Major League Rugby team the LA Giltinis after his time with Harlequins is over.

The former England scrum-half has been with Harlequins since 2006, and has been tearing it up with the south-west London club this season, despite turning 34 in January.

“I have never really thought about playing abroad until I saw the LA Giltinis team and I was like hang on, I like their kit, I like where they play, I like the place that they are from and I might be a good fit,” Care explained.

“Or if it’s not the Giltinis, it’s definitely something I would have a look at.“

Last month The Rugby Paper reported that Top 14 glamour side Toulon had ‘opened talks’ with the former British and Irish Lion over moving to the Cote d-Azur despite Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald confirming in February that Joseph, along with fellow England stars Beno Obano and Anthony Watson are all in contract for at least the 2021/22 season.

This week French newspaper Le Figaro report a technical malfunction on Toulon's webstie effectively saw them announce the signing of Joseph over the weekend before removing the post.

However, an empty player profile with the URL Jonathan Joseph can still be found on the Top 14 side’s website further adding fuel to the fire.