LET ENGLAND PICK ITS BEST
The Issue
We are calling on the Rugby Football Union to change its overseas selection policy and allow England-qualified players to be considered for the national team regardless of where they play their club rugby.
England-qualified. World-class. Unavailable for selection.
It's time to rethink England Rugby's overseas player restriction. England should be able to select its best eligible players — wherever they play their club rugby.
ENGLISH ENOUGH TO PLAY. JUST NOT IF YOU PLAY ABROAD
Under the current England selection policy, players based at overseas clubs are generally unavailable for England selection, except in exceptional circumstances.
That means an England-qualified player can compete at the highest level of club rugby, be one of the best players in their position, and still be unavailable to represent their country because their club happens to be outside England.
JACK WILLIS
Jack Willis has become one of the most prominent examples of the policy. While playing his club rugby in France, his availability for England has been affected by the RFU's overseas-player policy.
And the issue is bigger than one player. As more English players consider opportunities abroad, England risks voluntarily reducing the pool of talent available to the national team.
WE UNDERSTAND WHY THE RULE EXISTS
The policy is intended, in part, to support English domestic rugby by incentivising leading England players to remain with Premiership clubs.
But protecting the Premiership and selecting the strongest England team don't have to be the same issue.
Players have short careers. They may move abroad for financial security, playing opportunities, lifestyle, development or simply a new challenge.
Representing England should be determined by national eligibility and performance — not the location of a player's employer.
OUR ASK IS SIMPLE
We are calling on the Rugby Football Union to change its overseas selection policy and allow England-qualified players to be considered for the national team regardless of where they play their club rugby.
2
The Issue
We are calling on the Rugby Football Union to change its overseas selection policy and allow England-qualified players to be considered for the national team regardless of where they play their club rugby.
England-qualified. World-class. Unavailable for selection.
It's time to rethink England Rugby's overseas player restriction. England should be able to select its best eligible players — wherever they play their club rugby.
ENGLISH ENOUGH TO PLAY. JUST NOT IF YOU PLAY ABROAD
Under the current England selection policy, players based at overseas clubs are generally unavailable for England selection, except in exceptional circumstances.
That means an England-qualified player can compete at the highest level of club rugby, be one of the best players in their position, and still be unavailable to represent their country because their club happens to be outside England.
JACK WILLIS
Jack Willis has become one of the most prominent examples of the policy. While playing his club rugby in France, his availability for England has been affected by the RFU's overseas-player policy.
And the issue is bigger than one player. As more English players consider opportunities abroad, England risks voluntarily reducing the pool of talent available to the national team.
WE UNDERSTAND WHY THE RULE EXISTS
The policy is intended, in part, to support English domestic rugby by incentivising leading England players to remain with Premiership clubs.
But protecting the Premiership and selecting the strongest England team don't have to be the same issue.
Players have short careers. They may move abroad for financial security, playing opportunities, lifestyle, development or simply a new challenge.
Representing England should be determined by national eligibility and performance — not the location of a player's employer.
OUR ASK IS SIMPLE
We are calling on the Rugby Football Union to change its overseas selection policy and allow England-qualified players to be considered for the national team regardless of where they play their club rugby.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 6 October 2026