Antoine Dupont ‘surprised’ by England rule that prevents him facing Toulouse team-mate Dupont suggested he was not aware of England’s rule barring overseas-based players, which means his Toulouse team-mate Jack Willis won’t play in their Six Nations clash.
While Tom Willis earns his first England start at No 8, his brother Jack is among the 11 players from England’s 2023 World Cup squad who are based in France and not eligible for selection.
England’s selection policy sidelines his Toulouse team-mate and in-form forward, Jack Willis, from the Six Nations clash between Borthwick’s side and France at Twickenham.
Borthwick highlighted that England’s loss to Ireland last week was due to a lack of experience and such selection policies may come under increased scrutiny, with captain Maro Itoje urging the RFU to change the rules.
France captain Antoine Dupont has admitted he is “surprised” by the Rugby Football Union’s rule preventing Steve Borthwick from selecting overseas-based players.
