RFU OPENS DOOR FOR FRANCE ESCAPE
EDDIE JONES’ boss has hinted that England may relax its policy of not selecting players based overseas to allow Saracens stars to escape their relegation hell.
The development came as it emerged the disgraced champions had been asked by Premiership Rugby to hand back the domestic trophies won whilst in breach of the salary cap – and refused.
England have a longstanding stance of not picking players who abandon the Premiership for paydays in France, other than in “exceptional circumstances.”
As things stand the relegation penalty imposed on Saracens does not qualify for that dispensation, which means half of England’s first-choice team are condemned to a season playing in the second tier.
But last night came hope for the likes of
Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Elliot Daly and the Vunipola brothers from Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney, below.
While stopping short of confirming an exception would be made, he said: “Whatever decisions we make would be made in the best interests of the England team and the players.
“The players are at the forefront of our considerations and we want to make sure that whatever happens the players aren’t disadvantaged in any way.”
Sweeney’s words will prick up the ears of Lyon, who are battling it out for top spot with Bordeaux
Begles in during negotiations of an agreement which resulted in Saracens accepting relegation and apologising for “mistakes” made.
But the Londoners rejected the trophy request as they are not compelled to give up their titles by existing regulations. The silverware remains on display at Allianz Park.
Premiership Rugby boss Darren Childs, speaking publicly for the first time since the relegation axe was wielded, confirmed last night that “discussions” had taken place. “But they were inconclusive,” he said. “And
France’s premier division and who are reportedly keen to offer an escape route to Farrell, Itoje and Billy Vunipola.
Saracens’ squad could do with some good news as another day of criticism rained down on their club, complete with a fourweek ban for lock Will Skelton for his sending off at the weekend. Although the break-up of the squad is expected, it is possible some high-profile players may stay to try to restore the club’s battered reputation. Former Saracens wing Chris Ashton told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast he could even see England captain Farrell staying loyal.
“I couldn’t see Owen leaving, I just couldn’t,” said Ashton. “I think they will stick together as much as they possibly can to get the club back up.” as we don’t have the ability to actually take them back, they (the trophies) are very much still over there at the minute.”
Childs admitted he was “surprised” to learn that the rules did not allow for clubs to be stripped of titles.
He expressed little sympathy for Sarries’ plight, saying: “Had they shown contrition, had they shown openness, had they been willing on compliance, I think the other clubs who have been let down would have been open to a different solution. They showed none of those things. The other clubs feel let down.”