England 2024/25

[BPM]

From what I can tell, his situation is no different to Van Der Merwe who's playing for Scotland?

Essentially the same team under a slightly different name.

Yeah. I think that's the crux of his argument. When others played for age grade sides it didn't 'capture' them whereas anyone who played in the side he did has to stay South African. I don't feel sorry for him but I can understand his frustration.

 

[Scotty]

Jacques Vermeulen frustrated as England hopes are ruled out

Exeter forward Jacques Vermeulen says he is frustrated that he is not being declared eligible to play for England.

www.bbc.co.uk

With my Chiefs bias I feel for him given Van Der Merwe can play for Scotland and he can't play for England. And he's going for for British citizenship. Least he's committed.

I rate him quite abit he is very physical and a great player but in the most stacked area for England he wouldn't make it anyway, and nor should he as he's behind others.

Not a huge fan of foreign players playing on residency alone tbh but if a players is eligible then themselves the rules.

 

[stus768]

Ive seen commenters saying Benhard Janse van Rensburg is captured by having played SA u20s as well

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Hope so,
One of my favourite players to watch, in the Prem, but don't want him playing for England

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

RFU revolt erupts as Bill Sweeney and Tom Illube face vote of no confidence

Exclusive: Governing body’s council members moving to revolt against senior leadership in wake of bonus payments controversy

www.telegraph.co.uk

Suspect this will all end with lots of resignations but also issues hiring successors. I mean if Borthwick eventually goes an unstable leadership will out of many possible successors.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

RFU revolt erupts as Bill Sweeney and Tom Illube face vote of no confidence

Exclusive: Governing body’s council members moving to revolt against senior leadership in wake of bonus payments controversy

www.telegraph.co.uk

Suspect this will all end with lots of resignations but also issues hiring successors. I mean if Borthwick eventually goes an unstable leadership will out of many possible successors.

On the subject of salaries, you have to take it with a big pinch of salt, but SB is reputed to be the highest paid coach in the world game, or at least right up there.

Whether his track record warrants that is another matter, but the trade off for big cash is delivery against high expectations. If he really is being paid world leading money, then all stakeholders - RFU, players, us as fans, do have a right to expect something pretty damed special - certainly more than excuses and promises of jam tomorrow.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

On the subject of salaries, you have to take it with a big pinch of salt, but SB is reputed to be the highest paid coach in the world game, or at least right up there.

Whether his track record warrants that is another matter, but the trade off for big cash is delivery against high expectations. If he really is being paid world leading money, then all stakeholders - RFU, players, us as fans, do have a right to expect something pretty damed special - certainly more than excuses and promises of jam tomorrow.

It's hard to imagine his successor being much cheaper

 

[Lé Ddanno]

It's hard to imagine his successor being much cheaper

True, but they should be cheaper when we're ranked 7th. Performance clause - get us back to top 4

 

[BrokenWing]

promises of jam tomorrow.

Big Borthers' special nose jam - Guaranteed to get better week on week

 

[McTallshort]

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

It's hard to imagine his successor being much cheaper

Rightly.

It's a big job, it should be one of the best paid out there.

But if you pay top dollar you're expecting (a) someone with talent who's at the top of their game and (b) results, not potential or might haves or nearly dids. Just the way the world works. SB, in my book, wasn't ready for this gig, but he was offered it and in choosing to take it also accepted all that comes with it. And that will be intense scrutiny if the 6N underwhelms yet again.

 

[Saintjay]

I don't get the plucky underdog story the RFU is spinning in it's report. Close loses in New Zealand. Good performances against Ireland and France. When really we won one game. Then blending performance results with the red roses.

To quote Connery In the movie The Rock (family friendly version)

"Your "best"! Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home with the prom queen.

If i wanted to support plucky underdogs I'd follow Scotland.

 

[Booboobang]

Hope so,
One of my favourite players to watch, in the Prem, but don't want him playing for England

Wont be popular, but I am willing to bet steve pulls every string imaginable to get him in.