"Ditch archaic rules" - Sir Clive Woodward calls for major change ahead of Six Nations

The esteemed former coach is urging the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to cast aside archaic rules and grant Owen Farrell the freedom to continue representing the national side, even if he embarks on a new chapter with Racing 92 in France.

Woodward's impassioned plea shines a spotlight on what he perceives as the stubborn resistance of the RFU, asserting that their unwavering stance threatens to stifle England's progress on the international stage. I

Writing in his column for the Mail Online, Woodward said: "The RFU should abandon their foreign selection rule. Farrell is just showing the absurdity of it all and highlighting how far behind England rugby is in its thinking and structure.

"It will be a great switch for Farrell on the field as well as off it, and a great life experience for him and his young family. Everyone in English rugby should be celebrating this move."

He added: "What nonsense. If Farrell — or any other player — is playing their club rugby in France or anywhere else, they should still be eligible for England.

"If the rules are not changed and changed quickly, I do not think we will see Farrell playing for England again, as he has already decided to take a break from Test rugby to prioritise his and his family’s wellbeing after being subjected to abuse from supporters."

Woodward has also picked his replacement for Farrell ahead of the fast approaching the 2024 Six Nations.

"It’s tough on George Ford, but Borthwick has to play Marcus Smith at No 10 in the Six Nations. Smith must be given the full campaign and the experiment of playing him at full back must end.

"With Smith at 10 and enterprising young guns like Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence and Will Joseph outside him, England can create a team capable of winning a World Cup."

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This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.

Some of these are significantly easier than others.