Here are five well known rugby players who turned down an England call-up from Eddie Jones down the years. Bloody treason…
1. Louis Rees-Zammit - Wales
Eddie Jones knew from an early stage the 20-year-old was a talent worth courting. The wingers clinical finishing has been underlined by a haul of four tries in six Wales appearances, including two in the recent victory over Scotland. Jones rang Rees-Zammit in early 2020, but he told the Aussie that he was only interested in playing for Wales.
2. Joe Marle - Home
The loosehead prop has turned down numerous call-ups from Eddie Jones down the years, starting in 2016. He turned down a place on the tour to Australia following the infamous ‘Gypsygate’ saga, where he was fined £20,000 for his racial abuse of Wales rival Samson Lee. He then recently pulled out of the 2021 Six Nations squad in order to spend time with his family.
3. Cameron Redpath - Scotland
In 2021, The Bath and Scotland centre turned down the chance to be part of England's shadow squad for the 2021 Six Nations - instead accepting a full call-up from Gregor Townsend. Two weeks later he made his influential debut as the Scots recorded a historic 11-6 win at Twickenham.
4. Hoskins Sotutu - New Zealand
Jones was reportedly keen on swooping in for one of Super Rugby Aotearoa’s breakout stars, after the Blues No 8 revealed he qualifies to play for England via his mother.Sotutu – who also qualifies for Fiji through his father, former Fiji and Blues player Waisake Sotutu –turned down his advances to play for the All Blacks.
