Henry Arundel has revealed that he will definitely return to the Premier League after his contract with Racing 92 expires, making himself available to England in 2026.
The hugely talented young full-back is currently in France after agreeing a deal with the Parisians following the demise of the London Irish side.
Initially, it was only for one year, but Arundel dealt a huge blow to the Red Rose and the Rugby Football Union by extending his stay with Racing for a further two seasons.
This means he will not return to England until 2026 at the earliest, but the 21-year-old insists he will be back in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Chat with the head coach
He spoke to Steve Borthwick and told the national team boss how a move to a top 14 team could improve him as a player.
“He wants me to play for England and I have a lot of respect for him,” Arundel said. Big Jim Show. “We had a very good conversation and I told him that this is just development and that this three-year contract is not for me just to enjoy playing in France and eating croissants every day.
“It's to get better for England, when I come back, I'll be a better player for England. When I was playing for England, I wasn't the best player I could be, and even now I'm still learning a lot.
“Playing in the big games, playing in the top 14 every week where every game is huge and you have to win, that's where you learn. You learn how to fail and you learn how to improve, and maybe you avoid that English media side of things, which can have a negative effect on Sometimes a big impact on young players.
“So I will be there for three years, on a three-year contract, and then I will come back and hopefully I can be the best version that can be selected for England and give the best for England.
He added: “For me, it's very much about development, and in three years I will 100% be back in England to play and put myself forward for the 2027 World Cup.”
Eligibility laws in England
Following Arundel's shock decision to stay in France and rumors of Owen Farrell moving to the same club, Racing, the RFU's eligibility criteria have come under increased scrutiny.
Currently, players who ply their trade outside England cannot represent the Red Rose, but some believe this law should now be scrapped.
With more and more individuals deciding to leave the Premier League, including the likes of Sam Simmonds and Jack Nowell, the RFU could soon be forced to do so.
“I understand 100 percent why they do it. It makes perfect sense,” Arundel added. “You have to look after the local league and want the best players to play in the local league.
“My experience now is playing in the top 14, at every club we go to, all the fan bases, as soon as you see Gael Ficko and Cameron Walkey, it's massive. It's the photographers, it's everything. They love it.
“The fans want to talk to all of them, and it should be the same here (in England).” England internationals have to be some of the biggest faces in this league, and I understand why they do that.
“Obviously now I would say I would love it if they opened it…but I understand why they would do it.”
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