James Haskell insists England must start selecting players who operate in France - adamant that the RFU's policy is stopping them from potentially becoming the best team in the world. Steve Borthwick is into the swing of the Six Nations, winning one and losing one of his two games thus far, but his squad is only made up of players who play in the Premiership. Those who've chosen to head across The Channel to the Top 14 are unavailable to the England head coach.
The RFU's overseas policy has long been in place, citing only "exceptional circumstances" as a way of bypassing the rule. That has largely been rendered redundant and it means some of the finest English talent is absent from the squad. Back row Jack Willis is a leading light for European champions Toulouse, former captain Owen Farrell and flying back Henry Arundell are at Racing 92. They are just three names who cannot be picked with Haskell insisting "a load of old duffers" are scared of changing the rules to unlock England's potential.
He told the Telegraph : "Yes. 100 per cent. It is non-negotiable. Football does it but rugby has this bizarre fear about it. There would be no exodus. It is utter nonsense. It is a classic case of rugby hamstringing itself for no reason. Do you want to be the best team in the world? Do you want to give yourself the best possible opportunity to win each game? Then pick your best players. It is that simple. It is a free trade. England pick Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in football. Rugby can’t get their head around it because of a load of old duffers.".
A host of the players selected by Borthwick for the Rugby World Cup less than two years ago are also now in France - the likes of David Ribbans, Kyle Sinckler and Joe Marchant. Some of the leading lights for England's football side have flourished since going abroad with the FA having no such rule on where players play. Jude Bellingham is a shining light at Real Madrid whilst skipper Harry Kane has broken numerous records in Germany with Bayern Munich.
France's Top 14 is regarded as the world's best league, but even the English players who operate in it are open about their desire to play for their country. Only the RFU rules prevent them from doing so, but opening such barriers has been advantageous for back-to-back world champions South Africa, who allow their players to play anywhere in the world. Willis said this time last year: "From a personal perspective, I want to be here and to play for England. They have to factor in a lot more than just that. I understand that.”.
