‘Imagine England without Harry Kane - old duffers need to change now’ 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.
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.
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.
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.
