England stalwart Joe Marler has called on the Rugby Football Union to reassess their current international selection policy.
Facing a mass exodus of top-line international talent to foreign leagues in recent months, English Rugby’s selection policy of only selecting English-based players has been called into question.
Losing the likes of long-term captain Owen Farrell, centre Joe Marchant, utility back Henry Arundell and many more over the past year has limited head coach Steve Borthwick’s player pool quite significantly.
Lending his voice to those calling for change, Marler took to social media to say, “Lift the bloody overseas ban! Get a “minimum cap rule” in place and let the boys play.”
Lift the bloody oversees ban! Get a “minimum cap rule” in place and let the boys play! 🤪
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 9, 2024
Weighing in on the debate were several fans who replied to Marler’s tweet.
Lift the bloody oversees ban! Get a “minimum cap rule” in place and let the boys play! 🤪
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 9, 2024
Or change the salary cap in the prem. stop letting best talent go to another league.
— Olly Beaumont (@beaumont04) April 9, 2024
They are going to have to. We no longer have enough clubs to keep them here.
— QuinsLynne (@familyfirst50) April 9, 2024
They are going to have to. We no longer have enough clubs to keep them here.
— QuinsLynne (@familyfirst50) April 9, 2024
It’s such a ridiculous rule. Makes no sense and hamstrings us. Arundel, Willis, Ludlam should all be in the mix for call ups. Minimum caps if you need to but don’t restrict a players ability to earn a coin when it doesn’t necessarily benefit the national team to keep them here.
— Mr. Smith (@charlequin8) April 9, 2024
Certainly, the rule has caused major debate online; what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.
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