BREAKING: Steve Borthwick confirms plan to scrap controversial rule
Rugby NewsFriday, 24 February 2023 at 08:26
Steve Borthwick has given the strongest indication yet that he wants the Rugby Football Union to change their controversial policy.
Under current regulations, he can only select English-based players for the national side to be reviewed as part of negotiations for a new professional game agreement with the Premiership clubs.
“What we are faced with here are some extreme circumstances," said Borthwick.
“There are discussions ongoing about what this means and what the implications are going forward. It’s about the players’ livelihoods and careers as well. From my point of view I want to make sure we are able to select the greatest number of players possible. And the best players possible.
“Those discussions are only at their starting point and clearly my focus is on the Six Nations. But do I want to make sure we have an England team where we have the best players available to us? Yes.
“We are concentrating very much on what we need to do here, in the midst of the Six Nations. But we do know there are issues in rugby right now. I and all our players sympathise wholeheartedly with what the Welsh players have had to go through.
“Nobody should have to go through the level of uncertainty they have had. Nobody should. With that in mind, I think this game is exactly what we need. We want these big exciting games that are full of passion that allow us to concentrate on the rugby. But you’re right.
"Everyone knows it’s been a challenging situation for rugby in this part of the world. We’ve seen two clubs no longer playing Premiership rugby this season. So we need to make sure those things are right.”
22 England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
There will be 22 England-eligible players stranded in France's Top 14 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, making them unavailable to Steve Borthwick.
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Bayonne:
Marland Yarde - Wing, 13 caps
Sale Sharks player Marland Yarde breaks the tackle of Wasps player Christian Wade during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Wasps at JW Bell Stadium on Sept 22 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
Bordeaux:
Gabriel Oghre - Hooker, 0 caps
Brive:
Wesley Douglas - Wing, 0 caps
La Rochelle:
Harry Glynn - Fly-half, 0 caps
Hayden Thompson-Stringer
Lyon:
Joel Kpoku - Lock, 0 caps
Joel Kpoku of Saracens during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Cornish Pirates and Saracens at Mennaye Field, Penzance on March 6. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Montpellier
Luke Cowan-Dickie - Hooker, 42 caps
Sam Simmonds - No 8, 15 caps
Henry Thomas - Prop, 7 caps
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Pau:
Dan Robson - Scrum-half, 14 caps
Zack Henry - Fly-half, 0 caps
Joe Simmonds - Fly-half, 0 caps
Perpignan:
Ali Crossdale - Wing, 0 caps
Brad Shields - Flanker, 9 caps
Henry Thomas - Lock, 0 caps
Racing 92:
Biyi Alo - Prop, 0 caps
Christian Wade - Winger, 1 cap
Christian Wade of England (Wasps) who scored 3 tries against Barbarians - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England v Barbarians - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.
Stade Francais:
- Harry Glover - Centre, 0 caps
- Joe Marchant - Centre, 15 caps
Joe Marchant of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Saracens and Harlequins at Stone X Stadium on 11 June. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Toulon:
Kieran Brookes - Prop, 16 caps
David Ribbans - Lock, 4 caps
Toulouse:
Jack Willis - Flanker, 7 caps
Future uncertain
Manu Tuilagi (unconfirmed)
Jack Nowell (unconfirmed)
Courtney Lawes (unconfirmed)
Billy Vunipola (unconfirmed)
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
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