Steve Borthwick's struggling national team could face significant disruption as England players consider joining a proposed breakaway global league. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has taken a stance that players opting for this league would effectively be forfeiting their international careers. Plans are in motion for a new league comprising eight franchise teams and approximately 200 players, with matches scheduled to be played in major cities worldwide. It is reported that around 20 players have already agreed in principle to join this league, which is believed to be funded by investors from the US and the Middle East and is set to commence in 2026.
High salaries and the promise of fewer matches are reportedly key factors in persuading players to join this rebel league, which has drawn comparisons to cricket's IPL, LIV Golf, and Formula One, marking the most significant challenge to the rugby world order since the sport turned professional. However, senior RFU officials have stated that any England players joining this league would not be eligible for selection under Borthwick, with the union treating these players similarly to those who play abroad, essentially forcing them to choose between club and country.
Among England's 2023 World Cup squad, players such as Owen Farrell, Henry Arundell, Courtney Lawes, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, Billy Vunipola, David Ribbans, Kyle Sinckler, and Jack Willis are currently based in France and are ineligible for selection due to the RFU's stringent policy. Despite England's current losing streak, the RFU has no plans to alter its policy on overseas-based players, with one senior figure questioning who, other than Toulouse flanker Willis, would merit selection.
The RFU has recently signed an eight-year £264m Professional Game Partnership with Premiership Rugby, which includes enhanced contracts for 17 England players. A Premiership chief executive has also expressed skepticism about the rebel league, suggesting instead the potential creation of a Club World Championship, expected to launch in 2028. Another informed source suggested that the breakaway league is a coordinated effort by players to increase their wages.
Joe Marler, who retired from England duty earlier this month, has seemingly endorsed the breakaway league, stating on social media: “Why couldn’t this have been set up 5 years ago?!! About time things had a change up. Rugby is beautifully brutal and that’s how it should be sold. Might have to delay that retirement after all …” The South Africa captain, Siya Kolisi, would likely be among the targeted players given his high profile and his leadership in back-to-back World Cup victories. Kolisi claimed ignorance of the proposals when addressing the media prior to England's match against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
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