Anthony Watson the latest England star to end international career

Rugby News
Thursday, 23 March 2023 at 14:35
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Telegraph Sport has learned that Anthony Watson is in talks with clubs in France and Japan and is considering leaving English rugby after the Rugby World Cup.
Their report suggest a move abroad is now very likely, which could mark the end of his Test career.
Despite this, Watson had a positive impact on England's Six Nations campaign after coming back from injury, and he even scored against Wales.
He had joined Leicester Tigers last year on a one-year deal after spending nine years at Bath, and had previously revealed that he took a pay cut to secure a contract for the 2022-23 season.
However, the reduced salary cap of £5m in the Gallagher Premiership next season, which is set to return to £6.4m in 2024, is making it difficult for him to stay.
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Warren Gatland's 2023 Lions XV:

Back-three:

15. Hugo Keenan - Ireland
14. Duhan van der Merwe - Scotland
He wrote: "Mack Hansen is very unlucky here but I’m switching Duhan to the right wing. I think he is in much better shape physically than he was when he was with the Lions a couple of years ago. He caused defenders all sorts of problems, carried well and scored some outstanding tries. He has also definitely improved his aerial game, which was something he had to work on."
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11. James Lowe - Ireland

Centre:

13. Huw Jones - Scotland
12. Sione Tuipulotu - Scotland
He wrote: "I was also impressed with the impact Bundee Aki made for Ireland, but Sione has a superb all-around game. He does not just give you good go-forward ball but can make the pass and offload as well."

Halfbacks:

10. Johnny Sexton - Ireland
He wrote: "He had a tremendous Six Nations campaign and like a good wine seems to be getting better with age. He runs Test matches like a chess grandmaster – he has plenty of time on the ball and is excellent at making the right decisions in terms of when to run, pass or kick."
9. Jamison Gibson-Park - Ireland

Front-row:

1. Ellis Genge - England
He wrote: "I could have gone with an all-Irish front row but I really like what Ellis gives you around the field in terms of his energy and carrying - but Andrew Porter is unlucky."
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Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
2. Dan Sheehan - Ireland
3. Tadhg Furlong - Ireland

Second-row:

4. James Ryan - Ireland
5. Maro Itoje - England
He wrote: "I feel Maro has plateaued in the last few years since his upward curve when he burst onto the scene, but I still think he is a world-class lock. His line-out and mauling are top class and I still think there is more growth in him - another level."
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A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

Back-row:

6. Jack Conan - Ireland
7. Jack Van der Flier - Ireland
He wrote: "There are some great sevens around, but Josh is explosiv, quick and provides some diversity in terms of carrying. It is not surprising that he is world player of the year."
8. Caelan Doris - Ireland

Replacements:

16. George Turner - Scotland
17. Andrew Porter - Ireland
18. Zander Fagerson - Scotland
19. Jonny Gray - Scotland
20 Jamie Ritchie - Scotland
21. Alex Mitchell - England
He wrote: "This is my bolter selection. I really liked what Alex did from the bench for England. He was outstanding in bringing some pace when England needed it and he can bring extra speed to the game if we need to change things up."
22. Owen Farrell - England
He wrote: "I have gone for the experience and leadership of Owen. It could have Marcus Smith if he had more game time and obviously Finn Russell would have probably come into the 23 if he was fit."
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A dejected Owen Farrell of England applauds in the direction of the England supporters at full-time following the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
23. Robbie Henshaw - Ireland
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