Statement: Steve Borthwick makes his feelings clear on controversial rule
Rugby NewsFriday, 19 April 2024 at 18:10
Steve Borthwick's recent remarks spell trouble for Jack Willis, Henry Arundell, and Owen Farrell, sidelined from England duty by eligibility regulations.
The England boss was speaking on The Good, The Bad, And The Rugby Podcast.
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While all head coaches crave their top talent, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) remains steadfast in maintaining the current framework.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney recently affirmed that England's eligibility rules will remain unchanged, dismissing any imminent alterations.
Sweeney said departing players have had conversations with head coach Steve Borthwick and "partly a lifestyle choice" was their reason for leaving.
"If you look at the number of players going abroad, it doesn't really impact our core group," Sweeney said.
"Where we currently stand on the policy of only selecting players based in England stays as it is."
When asked about it, Borthwick said: "The decision has been made,
“I’ve said this publicly before where we’ve got to create a system in England, for the clubs to be so good, the national team to be so good, the pathway to be so good that players don’t want to leave.
“If we’ve created the framework and a rule that players will only be picked from England, we’ve got to have the best competition in England.
“That’s what I want, that’s what we would all want. We all want our best players playing in England, so that’s building a system that makes them never even want to look overseas, they’ll want to stay here. That’s imperative.”
Rugby Union's best 10 pundits have been ranked
In a whirlwind of rugby punditry during the 2024 Six Nations, RUCK followers turned their discerning eyes to the voices analysing the game, eager to dissect and rank their offerings. Here’s how the bios and rankings unfolded over 80 minutes:
Everyone has different taste and the top two are popular names, but there was little to choose between the pair. So
So, without further ado, view the results below.
10. Lawrence Dallaglio (ITV): Once a towering figure on the pitch, Dallaglio’s transition to punditry hasn’t quite matched his on-field prowess.
9. Jonny Wilkinson (ITV): An icon in the world of rugby, Wilkinson's expertise is unquestionable. However, his reserved nature sometimes translates to a lack of engagement with viewers.
8. Martin Johnson (BBC): A formidable figure in rugby history, Johnson’s punditry tends to lean heavily on traditional approaches.
7. Ugo Monye (BBC): Monye’s energy and enthusiasm for the game are infectious. Viewers appreciate his passion, but hunger for a deeper dive into tactical nuances.
6. Sir Ian McGeechan (ITV): With a storied career both on and off the field, McGeechan brings a wealth of knowledge to the punditry panel.
5. Dan Biggar (ITV): Biggar’s recent transition from player to pundit has been met with mixed reviews. While his fresh perspective is welcomed, some viewers find his delivery lacking the polish expected from seasoned analysts.
4. Brian O’Driscoll (ITV): A legend of the game, O’Driscoll’s insights are often the highlight of any punditry panel.
3. John Barclay (BBC): Barclay’s punditry strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making him a favorite among viewers. His ability to break down complex tactics into digestible nuggets of information has earned him a loyal following.
2. Benjamin Kayser (ITV): Kayser’s charismatic presence and sharp wit make him a standout on the punditry scene. His ability to blend entertainment with astute analysis keeps viewers engaged and coming back for more.
1. Sam Warburton (BBC): Topping the charts is Warburton, whose articulate commentary and insightful observations have elevated him to the pinnacle of rugby punditry. His ability to offer nuanced perspectives while maintaining an approachable demeanour makes him a true fan favourite.
AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it
According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.
However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.
Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner's below.
2025: France
2026: Ireland
2027: England
2028: England
2029: Scotland
2030: France
2031: Ireland
2032: England
2033: Ireland
2034: France
2035: Ireland
2036: England
2037: Scotland
2038: France
2039: Ireland
2040: England
2041: Wales
2042: France
2043: Ireland
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