RFU set for selection change on Red Rose foreign legion

ENGLAND'S near blanket ban on selecting overseas-based players is closer than ever to being scrapped.

- Nick Purewal

RFU chiefs are ready to hold a serious review of the policy for the first time, amid mounting financial pressures in the domestic game.

They will face up to a growing acceptance that the long-held rule of not selecting overseas-based players for England is running out of both steam and clout. Several Premiership clubs are understood to be on board with amendments to the rule, too.

England only select foreign-based players in extreme circumstances, with Toulouse's Jack Willis currently qualifying after losing his job when Wasps folded last year.

The rule has traditionally stopped any exodus of England players, but money troubles off the back of Covid are already seeing increased numbers of Test stars tie up moves overseas.