ENGLAND may relax the ban on selecting players based overseas to give Saracens stars an escape route from second-tier rugby.
The development came as it emerged the disgraced champions were asked to return domestic trophies won while in breach of the salary cap – and refused.
England have a policy of not picking those who abandon the Premiership for bumper pay in France other than in “exceptional circumstances”.
Saracens being punished with relegation does not qualify for dispensation, meaning half of England’s first-choice team are condemned to a season in the Championship.
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.
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 interest Lyon, who are battling it out for top spot with Bordeaux Begles in France’s premier division and who are reportedly keen on Farrell, Itoje and Billy Vunipola (right).
FRANCE will take language lessons for their Six Nations clash with England so they can understand ref Nigel Owens.
Owens (left) was asked for a list of words he will use at the breakdown so their new-look young squad can react to his instructions and not be penalised.
J
RAFA NADAL enjoyed a happy return to the Rod Laver Arena yesterday, beating Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2 6-3 6-0.
And the Spaniard was focused on his performance rather than Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slams.
Nadal, who was thrashed by Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, said: “I don’t care about 20 or 15 or 16. I care about trying to keep going, keep enjoying my tennis.”
LAST WOMAN STANDING Harriet Dart went through – Boulter and Konta crashed out
CARL FRAMPTON looks well on course to return to the ring later this year.
The Jackal had surgery on his hands last month and updated fans on his recovery on his Twitter and Instagram accounts yesterday.
The 32-year-old former two-weight world champion posted a photograph on Instagram Stories showing an X-ray of his hands.
Frampton suffered fractures in both hands during his unanimous points win over Tyler Mccreary on November 30.
The 32-year-old also revealed he refractured his left hand twice in the build-up to the fight, aggravating an injury sustained back in August when an ornament fell on his hand during the build-up to his scheduled fight against Emmanuel Dominguez.
The North Belfast fighter went under the knife on December 20 and recently revealed his surgeon was
“happy” with how the operations went.
On Tuesday Frampton said on Instagram: “Hands are feeling fantastic and I am back on the horse.”
It is expected that Frampton will fight WBO world superfeatherweight champion Jamel Herring this year, potentially at Belfast’s SSE Arena, this May or June.
Frampton told Belfast Live Sport: “The surgeon was very happy with my hands.
“When I saw him after the surgery it was exactly a month.
“He has told me I can do a lot more with my hands and I can start punching very soon.
“He is delighted with how they are.
“I will be more than ready for a fight in May or June.”