Steve Borthwick has ruled out using a loophole that would allow England to select players based outside the Premiership.
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Reports earlier this week suggested the RFU has an “exceptional circumstances” clause that could permit the selection of overseas based players. However, Borthwick has now dismissed any prospect of using it.
Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster seriously considered invoking the clause before the 2015 World Cup, when Steffon Armitage was dominating the Top 14 in a similar fashion to Jack Willis today.
The clause was activated when Willis first moved to France and is generally intended for situations involving a significant injury crisis.
England head into the new season after suffering five consecutive Test defeats, with the World Cup in Australia just over a year away.
Those in favour of recalling Willis could argue the current situation is exceptional enough to justify his selection, particularly given the boost a successful World Cup campaign could provide for English rugby.
However, it has now been confirmed that if England are to challenge for next year’s World Cup, they will have to do so without players based in the Top 14. Borthwick has made it clear there will be no relaxation of the RFU’s policy on selecting overseas based players.
Jack Willis was named Man of the Match as Toulouse retained the French title last month, while his younger brother Tom is set to join Bordeaux after being named Gallagher Premiership Player of the Year. Both would strengthen England’s squad.
“Clearly there are very, very good players playing overseas, but the rules are very clear about eligibility for England,” Borthwick said to RugbyPass.
