A massive exodus of England internationals towards the top 14 is evident. Many of XV de la Rose’s executives, such as pillars Kyle Sinclair and Will Stewart or winger Louis Ludlam, are of interest to several French clubs. Overview.
A few weeks ago we told you that between sixty and eighty English players were in the starting blocks to leave their Premiership clubs and join France. As of today and as per our information, this exit is taking shape.
This will worry many executives of the XV de la Roses who are currently competing in the World Cup. Starting with the two right backs, Kyle Sinclair and Will Stewart, both out of contract with their clubs Bristol and Bath in June 2024. The Premier’s CV is Sinclair’s best since the age of 30. Played 63 matches for England and 7 times for British Lions. At 27, Stuart has made 30 appearances and played in England’s first two World Cups. Two powerful right-handed profiles of interest to four top 14 clubs looking to strengthen themselves in this field: Bordeaux-Bègles, Castres, Clermont and Toulon.
Other leading Englishmen will also hit the market next June, such as third-row Lewis Ludlam (27 years, 23 caps), who stood out with a sensational debut against Argentina (12 tackles in fifteen minutes). A pure product of Northampton Saints, the dreadlocked flanker has played there since 2016 and offers the advantage of covering three positions of the third line.
Is George North leaving?
A profile that could interest clubs like Castres, Toulon or Racing 92, all looking for an international third line. His club team-mate, scrum-half Alex Mitchell, will be out of contract in June 2024. Like Ludlam, Mitchell is a pure Saints product and his rating has soared since his star performance against Argentina wowed the world. Finally, another big English client will be without the club next June: three-quarter Elliott Daly (30 years old, 60 caps). Although he is not the player he was a few years ago, he has many advantages which include positions at fullback, winger and centre.
This phenomenon is not limited to England. In Wales, superstar George North will find himself out of contract in June 2023. And given the financial situation of the Welsh Federation, we doubt it will be able to align itself with the proposals of the French clubs. From North (31 years, 84 caps) has a rare profile and size (1.93m; 110kg). The CV of the Ospreys colossus, who has been playing since 2018, is currently on the table of several top 14 clubs. So, Montpellier is said to be looking for a centre. Except the Herald Club needs gifs. To be continued…
“Beeraholic. Friend of animals everywhere. Evil web scholar. Zombie maven.”
More Stories
Middle school students from Salonas have mastered learning foreign languages
While English rhymes with success
Why was French the official language of England?