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Former Western Force loosehead prop Kieran Longbottom is reported to be on the radar to fast track into England’s World Cup squad.
England have had a few injury problems at loosehead prop and Longbottom is being touted as the solution.
Longbottom recently left the Western Force to play for English giants Saracens. He has started at for Saracens in their first two games and from reports played well in both.
When he left for the UK he didn’t even know he was eligible for England, but recently worked out he had an English-born grandmother.
“I thought I would come here for a couple of years, become a better scrummager and go back and have another crack at [playing for Australia],” he told English media.
“My manager asked do you have any British grandparents and I remembered my mum mentioning that her mum was born in England. It just popped up. I didn’t even know that’s how it worked.”
Longbottom said it would be a “definite honour” to represent England.
As a Western Force and Wallabies fan I would hate to see him run out for England but would never begrudge him the chance to play in a World Cup. In would be quite remarkable though, considering it is an area that usually is a strength for England and one that causes headaches for Australia.
I also don’t think he would upsurge James Slipper from the Wallabies starting line-up as they seem pretty equal when it comes to scrummaging. Slipper is ahead when it comes to work around the ground. Then there is young Scott Sio also causing stiff opposition. Depth in these positions would obviously be a huge bonus with injury risk.
England may not be the only team with Australian born players in their World Cup squad, with two Australian-born players being named in Les Bleus World Cup training squad in Brock James and Blair Connor.
Then there is the question, should the ARU have spent its money on keeping a forward like Kieran Longbottom rr any other who has left for Europe? Would that have been a better option over recruiting another back in Karmicheal Hunt, especially one who has been playing AFL?
Sometimes you have to wonder if the ARU is saving money by letting its marketing department run recruiting.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.