#3. Zach Mercer
The number 8 has finally spoken out about his disappointment after being rejected for the Rugby World Cup by Steve Borthwick.
“It was obviously extremely disappointing but I’m ready and I’ve got the aspiration to put on that England jersey again,” he said.
“There were things that Steve wanted that I maybe couldn’t provide. I’m out of the picture, but I’m not just looking to the World Cup, even though it would have been amazing to return to France.
“I know I’ve got a long few years ahead of me yet. Don’t get me wrong, for 48 hours it was tough, but reality kicks in and you go, ‘Look, you’ve got a pregnant wife, a beautiful house to move into, real-life things you’ve got to sort out.’
“I play the game very differently to a lot of No 8s in England, and in the world. I’m not the stereotypical No 8 as some would say.
“So, I understand it if you want to play differently. Obviously, the back row is really competitive, so I knew I was never guaranteed. Steve wanted to go down a different route with how he wanted the back row to play and who he wanted.
“I’m not sitting and waiting as it would drive me insane. If I get a call from Steve, I get a call from Steve. There was no bad blood left there at all. It’s not written off, not at all. You want to play in World Cups, but at the forefront is my little baby girl, my wife, and Gloucester.”