Joe Marler takes aim at RFU with blunt six-word message

The former England prop was responding to comments from Courtney Lawes, who has questioned why Steve Borthwick should be prevented from selecting some of his best players simply because they are based overseas.

Lawes spent the last two seasons with Brive in France before returning to the Prem with Sale Sharks this summer, putting himself back in contention for an England recall.

The 105-cap forward recently told BBC Sport that while he understands why the RFU introduced the rule, he believes England should ultimately be able to select their strongest possible squad.

“I can see why they do it because they don’t want all their players playing abroad, but I don’t think that’s necessarily going to be the case anyway,” said Lawes.

“It’s important that you have the best players available for selection.

“I just reckon you make your best players available and by any means necessary.

“I don’t see why you’d limit yourself.”

Marler appears to agree.

Responding to a TNT Sports Rugby post featuring Lawes’ comments, the retired England prop wrote:

The debate over the rule has intensified in recent seasons following the departure of a number of England internationals to France.

Jack Willis has been perhaps the most high-profile example, establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading back-rowers with Toulouse while largely remaining unavailable to Borthwick.

However, there is also significant opposition to scrapping the policy.

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has previously backed the restriction, arguing that England eligibility remains one of the Prem’s biggest tools for keeping leading English players in the country, with his comments reported by RugbyPass.

For Lawes, the situation has now changed. His move to Sale means he is eligible once again – and he certainly appears interested in adding to his 105 England caps.

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