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Next season's 'England abroad XV' will be worryingly good
By Ian Cameron
This match-day squad made up of England rugby talent playing abroad – as of next season – showcases the significant talent drain from the Gallagher Premiership in recent times.
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Brimming with seasoned internationals and promising talents yet to earn their Test stripes, it demonstrates just how much English player power is heading abroad; and makes for an eye-watering-ly strong 23.
1. Hayden Thompson-Stringer
The former England U20s and Saracens loosehead is currently at Australian Super Rugby Pacific side the Waratahs.
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2. Jack Singleton
With just four caps, Singleton has had limited opportunities to establish himself within the England setup but has shown potential when called upon. He’s currently on loan with Toulon although RugbyPass understands he could well be returning to the Premiership next season.
3. Kyle Sinckler
Sinckler had been a crucial member of the England team for the best part of a decade, contributing significantly in both the scrum and open play, amassing 68 caps. However, mediocre form has seen him slip down the pecking order. He’ll be at Toulon next season.
4. Dave Ribbans
Had eleven caps to his name before deciding to up sticks for Toulon. The 6’7, 116kg second row was just getting going at Test level with England but opted for a lucrative French deal instead of staying put at Northampton.
5. Courtney Lawes
With over 100 Test caps, Lawes has been a seemingly eternal presence in England’s forward pack over the years and has even been tipped to star again for the British & Irish Lions next season. He’s headed to Brive next season after over a 16 years at Franklin’s Gardens.
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6. Jack Willis
Despite a promising start, injuries and a move to Toulouse have limited Willis to just 14 England caps. He decided to stay with the French giants even though it’s ended his Test career for now.
7. Sam Simmonds
With 16 caps, Simmonds had impressed with his pace and power from the back of the scrum for a struggling Montpellier. Although normally a No.8, we’ve moved him to 7 to accommodate the next player on the list.
8. Billy Vunipola
A key figure in the England back row down through the year, Vunipola has over 75 caps, known for his ball-carrying ability and physicality. He’s leaving Saracens for Montpellier at the end of the season.
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9. Jack Maunder
The former Exeter Chiefs halfback is playing his rugby at crisis-hit Melbourne Rebels, who are reportedly struggling to stay afloat.
10. Owen Farrell
Undoubtedly the biggest transfer of the season, Farrell has 112 caps for England and although he’s signed for Stuart Lancaster’s Racing 92, he’s said he hasn’t given up on making an England return.
11. Henry Arundell
One of England’s most exciting talents, Arundell has earned 10 caps, showing his electrifying pace and scoring ability with a few cameos at the Rugby World Cup. Moved to Racing 92 at the start of this season but is very much seen as a future prospect for England in the Test arena.
12. Piers Francis
Francis has appeared in nine Tests for England, offering versatility in the midfield but has struggled to secure a regular starting position before falling out of Test selection. Not playing at the brilliantly named Kurita Water Gush Akishima in Japan.
13. Manu Tuilagi
When not injured, Tuilagi has been a powerful force in England’s midfield for well over a decade. He’s signed for Bayonne after spending his entire career to date in the Gallagher Premiership. He’s probably played his last Test for England.
14. Joe Marchant
Marchant is playing for Stade Francais after an on-again, off-again ‘situationship’ with England came to an end last year. He’s just 27, so has plenty of time to return should he want another crack.
15. Jack Nowell
With 46 caps, Nowell has been a versatile and hard-working player for England before deciding to head to France. Has been bedevilled by injuries and hasn’t played to much for his new club as a result.
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16. Sean McNulty
Although he came up in the Irish system, McNulty was born in London and English qualified. He currently plays for the Miami Sharks MLR franchise.
17. Mako Vunipola
Vunipola announced his retirement from Test rugby earlier this year and there are rumours that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season. There are also rumours linking him with a move to France.
18. Will Collier
With just 2 caps, Collier has had limited exposure at the international level. He’ll be at Castres next season.
19. Alex Moon
Moon is also uncapped but was in the England mix until he signed for Bayonne.
20. Lewis Ludlam
Unlucky not to make the starting 15, Ludlam has proven to be a resilient and energetic flanker for England. With 25 caps he looked to be on the verge of a lengthy career before agreeing to join Toulon.
21. Willi Heinz
Although an elder statesman at 37, Heinz is currently on the books with Crusaders back in the country of his birth.
22. Zack Henry
Henry has been enjoying life at Pau since leaving Leicester Tigers.
22. Matt Gallagher
Gallagher has yet to feature for England, still looking for his first cap at the international level. He’s leaving Bath for Benetton at the end of the season.
With respect, that side would barely pass muster in the Championship!