Should England Scrap the Overseas Rule?

Stuart Lancaster this week named his 50-man World Cup training squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup but a debate has raged over the exclusion of English players plying their trade abroad, most notably in France.

Since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the RFU enacted a policy that saw players who are playing abroad, not be considered for England duty and it has caused divided opinions amongst the Rugby fraternity with fans split over the exclusion of players such as Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon.

The RFU brought in the rule in 2011 to protect the quality of the English game after a number of high profile players including Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood joined French club sides, which saw a halt to their England careers. With more money available in France thanks to no wage restrictions, French clubs hit sides all around the British Isles for their international players and those who want to represent their country now have the choice.

English clubs are certainly in favour of the rule, meaning their club sides are not diluted with quality and though there is an ‘exceptional circumstance’ rule, where players abroad can be picked, Coach Lancaster chose not to pick European Player of the Year Abendanon and the controversial Armitage.

With the World Cup just months away, Lancaster and the RFU have gambled on players plying their trade in England but should they have a disappointing Rugby World Cup, their could be further debate on the policy and whether it may be best to scrap the rule and open the floodgates up to an exodus fro English Rugby.

Other nations around the world have relaxed their stance on players, playing abroad with only England and New Zealand sticking to their selection policies. Wales have been criticised for allowing their players to play abroad whilst in recent months Australia have also relaxed their selection criteria.

It must be applauded that England and New Zealand won’t compromise their domestic situation and in New Zealand’s case it has done the side no harm as they go into the tournament as heavy favourites. England have been improving but the inclusion of both Armitage and Abendanon could be seen as a positive for England, had they been picked.