England qualified rugby players should not automatically lose the opportunity to represent their country simply because they play their club rugby overseas.

 

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) currently generally prevents England from selecting players based outside the Premiership. Jack Willis is a prominent example: after establishing himself as a leading player at Toulouse, he remains unavailable for England while playing in France.

 

We recognise the importance of a strong Premiership and understand the RFU's reasons for wanting England-qualified players to remain part of the English professional game.

 

However, encouraging eligible players to remain in the English domestic game should not mean that those who choose to play overseas are automatically ruled out of international selection. An England qualified player should not be automatically ruled out of selection simply because he plays overseas.

 

We are therefore asking the RFU to conduct a formal and transparent review of its policy.

 

The review should consider practical alternatives, including:

 

• allowing a limited number of overseas-based players to be selected;

 

• minimum availability requirements for England;

 

• agreements between the RFU, players and overseas clubs;

 

• a trial or transitional system;

 

• safeguards for player welfare and England preparation.

 

This is not a petition against the Premiership. It is a request for a modern and balanced approach to international selection.

 

World Rugby already has regulations governing the release of players for international rugby. We therefore believe the RFU should review whether its own additional restriction on overseas-based players is still the right approach for England.

 

Jack Willis is one example, but the question is bigger than one player.

 

We call on the RFU to review the policy and give eligible England qualified players the opportunity to be considered for selection on merit, regardless of where they play their club rugby.

 

Support English clubs ! but preserve the opportunity for any eligible player to wear the England shirt.