Revealed now is the reason for Kyle Sinckler’s abrupt absence from England’s ranks during the 2024 Six Nations.
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The formidable prop, pivotal in the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign for the men in white, found himself conspicuously sidelined.
Speculation swirled, attributing his exclusion to rumors of a lucrative shift from Bristol Bears to the Top 14.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 Six Nations, Bristol officially confirmed Sinckler’s departure at the age of 31, destined for Toulon.
Joining him is Ludlam, the Northampton back-rower, in a move to the three-time European Champions.
This transfer seals the fate of both players’ international ambitions, adding their names to the roster of England exiles, among them Jack Willis, Henry Arundell, and former captain Owen Farrell.
Existing regulations dictate that players affiliated with foreign clubs are ineligible for selection by England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick.
And if RFU chief Bill Sweeney has his way, these rules are set to endure.
“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?'”
“‘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,”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”