Rugby-Arundell ineligible for England until 2026 after Racing 92 contract extension

(Reuters) – Wing Henry Arundell has become ineligible to play for England following the announcement by French club Racing 92 that he has signed a contract extension until 2026. England’s Rugby Football Union rules stipulate that only home-based players can be eligible for the national team.

Arundell, who is 21 years old, signed a one-year contract with the Paris club in July after his previous team, London Irish, went bankrupt. He was allowed to represent England at the World Cup due to the ‘special circumstances’ rule, scoring a joint England record five tries on his tournament debut against Chile in September.

However, under his new contract with Racing 92, Arundell will no longer be available for coach Steve Borthwick’s squad. Racing 92 chairman Laurent Travers expressed delight at the extension of Arundell’s contract, praising his qualities as a competitor and a leader.

Since his senior England debut in July 2022, Arundell has won 10 caps. The RFU rule, which was introduced in 2011, aims to protect the quality of the English league by ensuring that the country’s best players play in it.

The rule is based on the intention to protect the quality of the English league by ensuring that the country’s best players play in it. With his extension with Racing 92, Arundell falls foul of this rule, making him ineligible for England.

Commenting on the extension of Arundell’s contract, Laurent Travers, Racing 92 chairman, praised his qualities as a competitor and a leader, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the club’s objectives in the short and medium-term.

Previously, Arundell was allowed to represent England at the World Cup due to special circumstances, but his new contract with Racing 92 means that he will not be available for selection for the national team. This represents a setback for coach Steve Borthwick’s squad, as Arundell has shown great potential since his debut in 2022.

Arundell’s signing of the contract extension with Racing 92 until 2026 effectively makes him ineligible for the England national team. Despite his impressive performance at the World Cup, his new contract terms will prevent him from playing for England in the future.

The RFU rule, introduced in 2011, aims to protect the quality of the English league by ensuring that the country’s best players stay and play there. Arundell’s extension with Racing 92 means that he falls foul of this rule, making him ineligible for England and limiting coach Steve Borthwick’s options for selection.

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Toby Davis)