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RFU Firm on Overseas Player Policy as England Stars Flock to France
In an emphatic display of resoluteness, Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney unequivocally confirmed that no amendments would be made to the organization’s policy of excluding England players based abroad from the national team, as reported by BBC Rugby Union on April 9, 2024.
This declaration follows an exodus of English rugby stars, with many making their way to the TOP14 in pursuit of lucrative employment opportunities. Among the high-profile names joining their ranks are former England captain Owen Farrell, slated to join Racing 92, and Kyle Sinckler, destined for Toulon.
“From our perspective, we’re OK with it. The way things currently stand, we’re sticking to that overseas rule.”
- Bill Sweeney, RFU Chief Executive
Sweeney expressed tranquility when questioned about the substantial number of exit-bound English stars, asserting, “From our perspective, we’re OK with it. The way things currently stand, we’re sticking to that overseas rule.” The RFU’s stance remains unyielding, requiring players to be employed by Gallagher Premiership clubs to be eligible for England Test selection.
As the 2025 Women’s World Cup preparation enters its final phases, skepticism surrounding the postponement of the Professional Game Partnership (PGP) agreement between the RFU and Premiership Rugby (PRL) has been quelled by Sweeney. He assured the public that “We’ll do it jointly with PRL and ourselves.” The PGP, set to form the foundation of English rugby’s future, guarantees funding for 25 of England’s top players, referred to as hybrid contracts.
As the exit parade gains momentum, notable England players, such as Henry Arundell (Racing 92), Jack Nowell (La Rochelle), Joe Marchant (Stade Francais), and Manu Tuilagi (Sale, joining Bayonne), are already deemed ineligible due to their French club commitments.
Borthwick’s England squad will also lose the services of Lewis Ludlam, Dave Ribbans, and Jack Willis to Toulon come next season, while veteran Courtney Lawes has chosen to sign for Brive in France’s second division. Veteran duo Billy and Mako Vunipola could join them, exploring playing opportunities overseas.
Despite the vast number of England stars departing, Sweeney insisted, “I don’t think the delay (in sorting the PGP) has had any impact on that (players leaving for France).” He conceded, “The ones who have gone have gone for reasons frankly most of us know anyway.”
The RFU’s new era has seen the introduction of hybrid contracts, touted to present players with a financial incentive to remain in the English Premiership. Once the PGP agreement is finalized, Saracens players Jamie George and Maro Itoje, in line for new contracts under the hybrid system, will be among the first to transfer to the novel arrangement, with the RFU committing £150,000 towards their contracts.
An exciting chapter of international rugby is also on the horizon, with New Zealand visiting for the autumn internationals. Sweeney clarified, “What you’re seeing is a reflection of what’s happening in other parts of society in terms of having to increase your prices,” while assuring fans that the RFU must balance profitability and affordability when determining ticket prices.
In a bid to elevate women’s rugby in England, the RFU has devised plans to redevelop Twickenham and sold 42,000 tickets for England’s Women’s Six Nations match against Ireland on April 20, 2024. With hopes to expand women’s rugby at grassroots level, Sweeney outlined an ambitious target: increasing the number of registered female players from 40,000 to 100,000 by 2027.
Under Borthwick’s leadership, the England team is set to host two summer Tests against New Zealand’s All Blacks and welcome new assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge, an experienced native of the southern hemisphere.
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