Sir Clive Woodward has slammed the RFU’s decision to double down on their rule that prevents Steve Borthwick from selecting English players plying their trade overseas.
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Earlier this year, Rugby Football Union’s top boss, Bill Sweeney, has firmly stated that there are no intentions to alter England’s eligibility regulations. As per the rules, those donning the English jersey must ply their trade in the Premiership.
Sweeney highlighted that departing players have engaged in discussions with head coach Steve Borthwick. Notably, he pointed out that for some players, the decision to leave was partially influenced by lifestyle preferences.
“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.”
He added: “If you actually look at the players we’ve got abroad, they probably made a decision in terms of ‘where’s my England career currently?'” he added.
“‘Am I in contention for a place in those hybrid contracts? Am I in that core group of England players going forward?’
“There are maybe one or two that you think we would rather have over here,
“Joe Marchant is rumoured to be coming back to the Premiership this year, so from our perspective, we are okay with it.
“We think there is a performance advantage to having those players based in your own country.”
Woodward has penned a strongly worded response to the statement in his column for the Mail Online.
He said: “I cannot imagine not being able to select a single player I wanted. If someone had told me I couldn’t have picked Jason Robinson because he played in France, I’d have gone mad!
“As the man in charge of the country’s men’s team, Borthwick should be able to pick the best side he can without exception.”
Woodward added: “The RFU should be encouraging and working with English clubs to compete with those in France, not isolating them and encouraging a narrow-minded culture of fear and protectionism.
“There must be an acceptance that moving to France can make players better and therefore improve the national team. Even someone as good as Jonny Wilkinson went to another level when he left Newcastle for Toulon. There have been other similar examples too. My mindset would be one of: ‘Right. Game on. How do we get the very best French players playing for our English clubs?
“Professional sport is a global enterprise. But the RFU is trying its best to localise it. England’s football team this summer will field the world’s best young player in Jude Bellingham and the world’s best striker in Harry Kane.”
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