Rugby World Cup-winning head coach Sir Clive Woodward has once again reiterated his desire to see the RFU’s overseas policy altered.
Currently, individuals that ply their trade outside of the Premiership cannot feature for England, which includes Jack Willis, Henry Arundell and Owen Farrell.
Woodward earmarked Willis in particular as someone who could make a huge difference to the Red Rose should the flanker be allowed to play for Steve Borthwick’s side.
Willis’ new Toulouse deal
However, he will not feature internationally for the next couple of years at least having signed a new long-term contract with Toulouse.
There is reportedly a break clause in the deal which could allow Willis to play at the 2027 World Cup, but it is definitely not a guarantee that it will be activated.
The only way the Test situation could change for the openside depends on whether the RFU relent and relax their foreign policy rule like South Africa have done to aid Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks, a move Woodward would back.
“This is one that almost certainly won’t happen, but I would urge the RFU once more to abandon its ruling that bans players at overseas teams from playing for England,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“It is archaic, devalues international rugby, and hurts Steve Borthwick’s chances of success.
“South Africa have their players all over the globe and have won the last two World Cups.
“At the highest level, one player can make a difference. For example, if Jack Willis stays with Toulouse, as things stand, he won’t be eligible for England.
“Willis is the sort of player that can win England the next World Cup, but Borthwick can’t do so if he is hamstrung by selection.”
While the England men’s team are not where they need to be looking ahead to the next global tournament, that is not the case for the women’s side.
The Red Roses are a rare bright spot in the darkness which is English rugby at the moment with John Mitchell’s men the heavy favourites for their home global tournament later this year.
‘Cause for celebration’
“English rugby needs some cheer and the country’s women’s team are certainly one cause for celebration,” Woodward added.
“In 2025, England will host the Women’s World Cup and they are firm favourites to win it. Anything other than Marlie Packer lifting the trophy would be a failure.
“The RFU’s investment in the women’s game has been one big positive. The World Cup can be a total game changer for women’s rugby in England anyway, but John Mitchell’s side winning it all would take that to a new level.
“Performance on the pitch is one thing, but the RFU must also throw their weight behind connecting with fans in the same way that football’s Lionesses have done so effectively.
“I want the Red Roses filling stadiums and our news feeds. We must make superstars of our players and inspire the next generation. There is no better opportunity than now.
“Mitchell, by all accounts, is doing a good job as coach but his role had to be taken by a woman to develop the women’s game at all levels. It was another opportunity missed by Sweeney and Co.”
