England prop Ellis Genge has called for a major change to the RFU's overseas selection policy, revealing he has already discussed the issue with chief executive Bill Sweeney.
The Bristol Bears star believes England should consider allowing experienced internationals to play abroad without losing their place in the national squad.
Under the current policy, players based outside England are generally unavailable for selection unless exceptional circumstances apply.
However, Genge believes a more flexible approach could benefit both England and the Gallagher PREM.
Ellis Genge confirms RFU talks
Speaking to The Telegraph, Genge revealed he had already raised the issue with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.
"I've spoken to Bill [Sweeney, RFU chief executive] about it," Genge said.
"I've spoken to anyone who's asked about it. I don't think you can just put people in a box and say 'No, you must do this', because we want the product to be better, ultimately."
The England loosehead pointed towards football, where some of the country's biggest stars have improved while playing overseas.
"If you look at football, Jude Bellingham going over to the other league [Germany and then Spain], how much better he got.
"Harry Kane, the captain of the country, now playing in Germany. It brings the best out of players.
"Like [Jack] Willis, look how much better he's got being over there."
Genge proposes 50-cap rule
Genge believes England could introduce an exemption for players who have already established themselves at international level.
"If you had a cap rule where, 50 or 60 caps, if you're involved in the English international game and then you go to France.
"You've obviously proved your worth, right? They know what you're about, they know you well, and they trust you to go over there and play."
The 31-year-old also argued that allowing senior internationals to move abroad could create more opportunities for younger English players.
"It then opens up a door for, for example, a younger loosehead to come in and play every single week in the Prem and push me or whoever it is that goes over there [for national selection]."
