England strategy in the spotlight as Prem’s best leaves and Exeter boss spells out reality

The Prem landscape and England’s fortunes are painting a picture that does not look all too pretty for the country’s power brokers. Tom Willis’ individual accolade on Wednesday night is the latest catalyst for more uncomfortable questions.

The Saracens No 8 has been utterly dominant this term, epitomising the phrase ‘men against boys’ at times as he showcases his strength, power and speed. He has been on a central contract all season, but hasn’t played for England in that period despite them footing a chunk of his salary. Willis confirmed his exit before the Six Nations. He will return to Bordeaux, thus making him unavailable for the national side.

Steve Borthwick chose not to include him for the Six Nations, despite him still being eligible. England would win just one of their five matches, all whilst Willis topped the charts for numerous metrics across the Prem.

England’s overseas policy is a conversation that is becoming more, not less, topical despite it being in existence for more than a decade. It has not led to fans, pundits and even players accepting it as time has gone on, if anything the frustration has mounted.

Willis was named the Prem’s best player at an awards dinner in London. Eight months ago, brother Jack Willis was named the best player in the Top 14. The Toulouse back rower continues to excel for one of the world’s greatest club sides, all whilst England fans watch on wondering what if.

In another world, England could see the Willis brothers make up two thirds of a back row that would go toe-to-toe with any country on the planet, instead they’ve but a hand full of caps between them.

There is no movement from England and the RFU on their overseas policy, which they insist is in place to protect the domestic game. Critics will ask just how protected the domestic game feels when it sees stars like Willis head across the Channel to France.

When they speak publicly, the vast majority of France-based players talk about knowing the score when they chose to sign. Others are a bit more outspoken, Courtney Lawes has been among those having been at Brive for two years. He will return to Sale this summer and could be picked by Borthwick.

View 3 Images

England’s results have shone a light on the fact they’re not utilising the resources that could be available to them – could being the overriding word. They’ve just lost four of five Six Nations games, losing to Italy for the first time ever, leading to critics questioning whether the current policies are working.

That is a question raised by Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter, who spoke with his usual candid honesty before this weekend’s semi-final against Bath. He has Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on central contracts, ultimately meaning England pay some of their wages for greater access and say over their fitness and injury issues.

Feyi-Waboso is set to undergo surgery, which means he’s poised to miss the season’s biggest games. Baxter previously aired issues regarding his winger, suggesting that an injury he previously sustained wasn’t dealt with in the most efficient manner because the England medical staff were absent over the festive period – something Borthwick rejected.

The Exeter boss, who has spent nearly two decades at the helm at Sandy Park, was clear in stating that England’s demand for access will not be the determining factor of their success. He pointed to a period when the club’s had more say over their players, and it was when England won tournaments. He doesn’t reference a year, but it is likely during the Eddie Jones-era, where England won the Six Nations in 2016, 2017 and 2020.

View 3 Images

England haven’t won the Six Nations since and Baxter told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “I don’t think the clamour for access and control is what will decide whether England win tournaments. We have all had players away with different countries in the Six Nations last season. England had the most access to our club players of all those countries. They weren’t the most successful country.

Article continues below

“Going more access, more access, more access, means more success, more success, more success. That argument doesn’t stack up at the moment. When we won the Six Nations, what was so good about that group of players? Or the access we had then? Or the way that team was formulated? What were the clubs doing, who was successful in Europe?

“That will all have a bearing on why that England team was good or bad, but we seem to have forgotten about all of that now, and it’s just on access, and the only thing I ever see is [England saying] we don’t get enough access to our players.”

Baxter’s words, backed up by periods where England and their clubs did rule Europe, are further proof of a policy that is not bearing fruit. In a matter of weeks Jack Willis could win a fourth Top 14 on the bounce with Toulouse, which may well ignite the overseas chat once again. All conversations that should remain on the agenda.