Joe Launchbury could now play for Toulon and England in stunning move

Friday, 14 October 2022 at 20:27

byRugby Rucker

The RFU have relaxed rules on eligibility for England selection as a result of the financial crisis in the Gallagher Premiership.

The Professional Game Board, which is comprised of Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union, confirmed on Friday that should a club go into administration or cease to trade, then any English-qualified players who subsequently join an overseas club they shall be eligible for selection.

The RFU described the ongoing situation as "exceptional circumstances".

That means if Toulon, who've lost Eben Etzebeth, signed lock Joe Launchbury from Wasps he'd still be available for selection by Eddie Jones.

However, the statement also revealed that any player who moves oversea's will notably no longer remain eligible for England selection once the 2023 Rugby World Cup has concluded.

Wasps: Highest-Paid Players

#5. Dan Robson - £300,000

Age: 30
Position: Scrum-half

#4. Elliott Stooke - £330,000

Age: 29
Position: Lock

#3. Jack Willis - £350,000

Age: 25
Position: Flanker

aviva premiership rugby player of the month 28february29 wasps jack willis 2

#2. Vincent Koch - £400,000

Age: 32
Position: Tighthead-prop

#1. Joe Launchbury - £450,000

Age: 31
Position: Lock

Wasps player Joe Launchbury during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Wasps and Sale Sharks at Ricoh Arena on 27 Mar. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK

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