It’s simple, sign fewer foreigners

THE Premiership ringfencers, in pursuing their selfish self-preservation stance, often state that closing off the league would benefit the development of young English talent.

They say clubs would be more open to using local players rather than looking for foreign players.

Former England scrumhalf Matt Dawson has said it would be “better for the game… better for the younger players”, while former London Irish DoR Nick Kennedy agrees saying “ring fencing would accelerate the development of young English players”.

If this is the case, why don’t clubs practice what they preach?

Sale, already with South African Faf de Klerk, were reported as hoping to sign All Black Brodie Retallick for £1m a year. Bristol already have All Black Charles Piatau on the same money, Northampton Saints have signed another All Blacks prop Owen Franks (salary undisclosed) to play with his brother Ben, and Wasps, who already have Lima Sopoaga, are after Australian David Pocock for a believed £1.4m package.

Even London Irish, who will assuredly be welcomed back to the elite for next season already have Saia Fainga’a (Australia) and have on their wish list, Waisake Naholo (All Blacks), Luke McLean (Italy/Australia), Curtis Rona and Nick Phipps (both Australia)

And this is benefitting young English talent? Absolute hypocrisy! Pull up the ladder, I’m all right, Jack. ROD LYON Cornwall