What a week it has been for English Rugby. Two players fall into the category of Overseas and Overlooked by Stuart Lancaster, as well as the AVIVA Premiership Semi-Finals are taking place and 50 players now know that over the next few months they will slowly be whittled down to a match day squad of 23 players for the RWC 2015 here in the UK.
But there are two people who have been notably left out. Two of the best English players in professional rugby this year. Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon. They aren’t getting anywhere near the RWC 2015 because they both chose money over glory – but as we all know if you are playing Overseas you will be Overlooked – and rightly so.
The pair of them play in France. Nick Abendanon won European Player of the Year this year. Steffon Armitage won it last year. Yet they both aren’t allowed to play for the rose of England because they play overseas.
“They aren’t getting anywhewre near the RWC 2015 because they chose money over glory”
The way I see it? It wouldn’t be a problem if they weren’t two top players. The ruling by the RFU is there to support the domestic game…to keep the English Leagues and teams as great as possible and to protect the sanctity of playing for your country. It is the greatest achievement of any sportsman – and if you don’t want that glory then don’t stay in England but don’t moan when you aren’t selected.
Wales select from abroad. But that’s basically because all of their players went and realised playing abroad was more important to them than representing their country. Also their domestic leagues is no where near the standard of the AVIVA Premiership, but if the rule is in place and you care about the shirt of your country you suck it up and get on with it. You don’t compare yourself to footballers who are earning a fortune and think you should be too.
Steffon Armitage did try and get back to England at the start of the year. He was all set for a move to Bath – which I admire – but they quite simply couldn’t afford him due to the salary cap we also have in place in this country.
In fairness, I haven’t seen Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendnon complaining about it and they knew the situation before they went. As a fan, who wishes that they did both play in England I’m just going to get on with it. Come the World Cup I won’t be sat there screaming at the RFU because our Number 8 decides to run into post as oppose to score a try. I’m going to be screaming at the man on the field because he can do something about it.
I admire the fact the RFU and Stuart Lancaster have stuck to their guns and I really hope it leads to success in a couple of months time. If these two players care that much about this wonderful little island then they can come back here and invest in OUR game and enjoy the success they have worked for.
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