Saracens will not block England calls

RUGBY UNION: Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has revealed he will not block his squad from playing for England in the Six Nations.

Eddie Jones expressed his concerns that England could feel the fallout from Saracens’ salary cap breach with the club’s stars, six of whom started in the World Cup final, choosing to prioritise Premiership survival over representing their country.

Saracens, who on Monday confirmed they would not appeal their point deduction and £5.36m fine, are 26 points adrift of safety.

But McCall said: “I genuinely want our players to play for England. Of course I do, it’s the absolute pinnacle of the game.

“Wanting to play in the Six Nations doesn’t mean you’re not committed to the club.

All of these guys are 100 per cent committed to Saracens, but playing for your country is playing for your country and I would support that every time.”

Asked if he would speak to Jones, McCall replied: “Yes, but that always happens. To be clear, I support our players playing for England 100 per cent. I would encourage them to do that.”

Mako and Billy Vunipola, hooker Jamie George, second row Maro Itoje, full-back Elliott Daly, who is yet to play for his new side since signing from Wasps, and fly-half Owen Farrell all started for England in the defeat against South Africa earlier this month.

Saracens began their Champions Cup defence with a comprehensive 30-10 defeat at Racing 92 last weekend.