England rugby insiders have been left shocked by an emerging star’s decision to turn his back on Tests to play club footy in France instead.
Henry Arundell, who exploded onto the Test scene last year in Australia with a try on debut in Perth, and added five in one match at the World Cup, has opted to sign a contract extension with Racing 92 that will prevent him representing England until the end of 2026.
Last month news emerged of interest in the young winger from two NRL clubs – the Dolphns and Tigers.
Arundell’s agent said at the time: “Players of Henry’s calibre generate almost constant interest. Whilst we have had a couple of enquiries recently from NRL sides, these are not something Henry has entertained or considered in any way, and we were clear in our response.
“Any reports of a possible move to rugby league are false. Henry is excited for the remainder of the season with Racing – and hopefully with England.”
Arundell joined Racing 92 after the financial collapse of London Irish. He would have been given clearance to play for England in the Six Nations providing he signed a contract with a British club before then for after the current season, but he has chosen to stay in France.
Henry Arundell of England looks on during the England Rugby World Cup Squad Announcement at Twickenham Stadium on August 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
“He fits perfectly into the club’s short and medium term objectives,” said Racing president Laurent Travers.
“We are convinced that he will be one of the driving forces to achieve them.
“He joined our squad just a few weeks ago but has already demonstrated all these qualities of a great competitor and great maturity.”
The decision has raised eyebrows in his homeland.
“I’d like to know how many players there is that are 20-21 who have left their country and become a success?” said former England player Chris Ashton on the BBC.
“Henry’s gone from playing on the bench at Irish, Irish going under, gone to a World Cup, gone to Paris where he’s got to learn a new language, playing at a club with a lot of superstars.
“I just can’t see how that is the right thing to be doing right now. There are times in your career to be doing that stuff.
“I needed somebody at that age to like properly mentor, spend a lot of time, put a lot of effort into me.
“You need someone who is willing to put a ridiculous amount of time into kids that age.”
Former England winger Ugo Monye was also bemused by the call.
“The steps from domestic to European to international are significant,” added Monye. “The game at international level is wildly different from club.
“Whilst Henry is so special I don’t think he quite understands what’s required from a winger at international level.”
The Times reported that Premiership side Bath and the RFU tabled an offer which would have made Arundell the first England player to take a new ‘hybrid contract’ – where club and country both contribute to his salary – but he rejected it.
Moana to take Super Rugby ‘home’
Te’ufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa will host Moana Pasifika’s first ever game in Tonga – when they face the Highlanders on May 4.
The Auckland-based club will be hooping for a similar injection as seen with Fiji who have proven very hard to beat at home.
Tonga Rugby Union president and Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni said in a joint Moana Pasifika and TRU statement that they recognise the significance the game will have for rugby in Tonga.
“I am very happy as I am sure all Tongans are, to have Moana Pasifika right here in the Kingdom,” Hu’akavameiliku said.
“We look forward to continuing to demonstrate that we can host these international games.”
Sekope Kepu of Moana Pasifika. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Nineteen of Moana Pasifika’s squad of 38 are of Tongan descent including former Wallaby Sekope Kepu.
TRU managing director Aisea Aholelei said: “It has been a long overdue event in the hearts and minds of locals to host Super Rugby Pacific, because of the prominence of Tongan players in Super Rugby and in Moana Pasifika.”
Moana Pasifika chairman Michael Jones added: “We are extremely privileged and excited to bring the very first Super Rugby game to the Kingdom of Tonga.
“Our Tongan people are some of the most passionate and loyal supporters.
“They deserve this fixture being played on home soil and to have the opportunity to watch their Moana Pasifika rugby heroes representing them live at their beloved Teufaiva Stadium.
“For us this game is about opportunity and hope. We want to build on the excellent momentum of the ‘Ikale Tahi made of late, particularly at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.”
Tom G
Roar Rookie
The key difference between SA old guard and England’s is that the latter’s came off a dispiriting defeat in ‘19, the former a grinding win. You’re right about coaching stability however, Eddie was a coach with fading skills and a bad attitude from that defeat onwards. He never recovered from RWC19. Why we decided in our wisdom, to hire him is a fair reflection of McLennan’s stupidity. Once he arrived here Jones ironically attempted to toss out his old guard and fill the side with inexperienced youngsters who were doomed to fail.
USrugger
Roar Rookie
I get the too much Old Guard comment. However, I can't help but compare that to South Africa. They seemed to have an abundance old 'Old Guard' & it worked for them. I'm trying to think of any 'bright, new stars' introduced... There were some truly ancient grafters in there...& it really was they who pulled them through. Something else going on. One area where SA was really settled, was in the coaching/management area. Clear focus? Maybe it's in the phrase 'ultra conservative'...
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Id like to see them play out of Western Sydney some time. I think they would be a big hit.
Paulie
Roar Rookie
Doubt weather the leaguies could afford him...
RD
Roar Rookie
No, the rules don't allow that. He is already capped for England. To be capped for a 2nd nation he must stand down for 3 years AND have heritage rights (birth, parents birth, grand parents birth). The 5 year residency eligibility you mention only applies for him to become capped initially.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Must think his financial and rugby interests are best served in France. If he is right England will come calling, if he isn’t, so what?
adastra32
Roar Rookie
Not moving on from the old guard is correct, but in the context of a looming RWC23 and no worthy development pipeline (thanks Eddie), Borthwick decided to choose a limited game plan and the players to fit it. It was not far off being fit for purpose. With a new RWC cycle, I think the tactics and personnel will now change - over time, significantly. Borthwick is never going to be Harlequins, but things will move on from just being kick-oriented.
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
Probably likes the good money and easier life of French club rugby. Good money and a nice long, easy club rugby career, without the rigours and injuries of test rugby.
Cec
Roar Rookie
So if Arundell does well at Racing, loves the new country & culture then he meets the 5yr eligibility he can then suit up for FRA in 2028 at just 26yrs old. This has happened recently to WB with that young Pacifika second rower from NSW GPS and Hansen for IRE. NH are quite desperate but this trend just doesn’t sit well with the sleep test.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I personally think that it’s the lack of love from two successive coaches.. training ground scraps with the skipper would only affect him if he was super thin skinned. I don’t think he is
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I have no doubt he’ll get a run sooner than later.. as good a player as Jonny May has been, to select him at the last RWC was just ultra conservative. England’s biggest issue over the past few seasons was their inability to move on from the old guard.. Billy Vunipola is a classic case in point. There’s about four number 8s that are better in their premiership who get overlooked. Ben Youngs another taking a bench spot who is past his prime. I just wish we had their talent pool of the ignored to pick from.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Hopefully more home based players too.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Not only that, a story emerged that he had Farrell screaming at him during training. All sorts of reasons not to stay.
Lucky
Roar Rookie
Congratulations to Tonga, that's exciting news! Moana Pasifika should be feeling rightly proud about hosting a home game and the crowd should help lift them too. Intriguing times ahead for the island nation team and it's fans. Hopefully in the years to come more home games can be included and help grow the sport more :thumbup:
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Moana getting a chance to represent in front of a Tongan crowd is excellent news, We've seen the atmosphere in Fiji when the Drua have had a chance to play there, and this promises as much or more.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Arundell joined Irish at 14 yrs old, I bet their collapse hit hard. Has not had a lot of love from England and Lancaster has excellent player management.
El Flash
Roar Rookie
Good on him. He is putting himself & family ahead of freezing out on the wing whilst the English forward pack pretend they know what they are doing.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
England haven’t really used him, Jones barely used him and Borthwick didn’t seem overly keen. Don’t blame him for turning his back on selection
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
Arundell has figured out that England are unlikely to change playing styles for the foreseeable future. You got the sense that he was not enjoying his time with the international squad. Why not play a style of game you like while collecting good cash? He is still very young and will have time on his side if decides to return to England to play test rugby.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Money-Money-Money Always funny In a rugby players world. Bath may have tabled an offer but it would Racing had the Cherry ready. Congrates Moana Pasifika, looking forward to this game. I'm sure it will be a great success regardless of the result.