Marchant: England’s selection policy tough to deal with for players outside Prem

Recalled England centre Joe Marchant said the RFU policy barring players based overseas from international selection is difficult to deal with. Marchant was ineligible for England during a three-season stint with Stade Francais in France's Top 14 between 2023/24 and 2025/26. He regained his eligibility following a summer move to Premiership side Sale Sharks and was subsequently named in Steve Borthwick's 36-man squad ahead of November's Nations Championship.

Marchant stated that he continuously wanted to play Test rugby while abroad, citing his desire to earn an England return as a major factor in joining Sale. The 30-year-old hopes his Top 14 experience will bolster his chances to feature against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand in November, with an eye toward competing for a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.