Indications that a planned salary cap increase may be abandoned, Premiership clubs are prepared to vehemently resist any effort to permit England to select players based outside of the country.
According to the Mail Online, ‘clubs are hell-bent’ on retaining the rule despite sources indicating that the salary cap is now unlikely to revert back to £6.4million a year — from the current, reduced £5m — as was intended.
This is happening as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) faces mounting pressure to reevaluate their foreign policy due to a mass migration of players to France.
England head coach Steve Borthwick only last week suggested that the rule would have to go.
Under current regulations, he can only select English-based players for the national side to be reviewed as part of negotiations for a new professional game agreement with the Premiership clubs.
“What we are faced with here are some extreme circumstances,” said Borthwick.
“There are discussions ongoing about what this means and what the implications are going forward. It’s about the players’ livelihoods and careers as well. From my point of view I want to make sure we are able to select the greatest number of players possible. And the best players possible.
“Those discussions are only at their starting point and clearly my focus is on the Six Nations. But do I want to make sure we have an England team where we have the best players available to us? Yes.
“We are concentrating very much on what we need to do here, in the midst of the Six Nations. But we do know there are issues in rugby right now. I and all our players sympathise wholeheartedly with what the Welsh players have had to go through.
“Nobody should have to go through the level of uncertainty they have had. Nobody should. With that in mind, I think this game is exactly what we need. We want these big exciting games that are full of passion that allow us to concentrate on the rugby. But you’re right.
“Everyone knows it’s been a challenging situation for rugby in this part of the world. We’ve seen two clubs no longer playing Premiership rugby this season. So we need to make sure those things are right.”
Five England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
Five England international rugby players will not be able to represent their country in the iconic white jersey after announcing their move to France following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. David Ribbans
Northampton Saints have confirmed that the forward will depart the Club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Reports suggest he will join Toulon.
The 27-year-old lock has pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey 115 times to date, starting 98 matches for Northampton and scoring 17 tries so far.
“As a coaching group, we are very proud of the progress Dave has made during his time at Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“He arrived in Northampton as a 21-year-old without many Super Rugby appearances to his name. He will leave as a fully-fledged England international and a proven performer in the Gallagher Premiership, one of the most attritional and competitive leagues in the world.
“You always want to create an environment for players where they can work hard, thrive, win matches and be successful on the international stage. Sometimes, that means players become attractive propositions for other clubs.
“Dave leaves to pursue a playing opportunity in France next season. It’s disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, and we were surprised Dave wanted to leave the Club at this time.
“But he is of course a professional, and will be putting all his efforts in his final months in Northampton to ensure the team is as successful as possible. We will wish him well after that.”
