4 unvaccinated England stars could be forced to miss summer tour of Australia

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that players and staff are now above the 85% required vaccination target.

However, in order to reduce the chance of any Covid-19 outbreaks, Wallabies officials are planning to enforce a rule banning any unvaccinated players from competing in their country.

And that could spell serious trouble for England head coach Eddie Jones, who could lose at least five players that are all refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccination, according to reports.

One of the players thought to have rejected the vaccine is Henry Slade following his comments earlier this year.

"I have had vaccines in the past and have fallen pretty unwell with them afterwards," said the England centre.

"I don't know if that has anything to do with the diabetes or not.

"I am going to stay away from this one.

"I just think there hasn't been anywhere near enough testing to deem it safe."

Diabetes UK "strongly encourages" anyone with the condition to get vaccinated.

"People with diabetes are vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus, and vaccines are the most effective way to prevent that from happening," its website states.

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.