Brendan Gallagher: John Bull agenda is robbing England of some top talent

There is much to admire about Stuart Lancaster‘s England but I remain unconvinced by this “Little England” attitude which bars prospective England players plying their trade abroad – which effectively means the Top14 in France – unless there are “exceptional circumstances”. It’s that caveat which irritates me most because it speaks of confusion, compromise and convenience while the entire issue hints slightly at an agenda rather than logic and fairness.
Graham Rowntree was quoted last week as saying, “Our stance in quite clear – we want to promote those guys playing in England for obvious reasons”.  What obvious reasons?
I accept totally that playing in a different hemisphere, in a different domestic season, just can’t work for England but France is hardly the Dark Side of the Moon. Professional rugby players must be allowed to make the choice of where they ply their trade and unless there is some insurmountable logistical problem that should never be allowed to deny them the opportunity of achieving the ultimate in their sport. France is not for everybody but it is exactly the right environment for some.
Down at Toulon Steffon Armitage is really valued for his special talents over the ball and shines even in a team of stellar talents. He certainly looks twice the player he was when involved with England. Toulon – the lifestyle as much as anything – has also seen the mellowing of Delon Armitage whose fiery temperament derailed what had been a promising start to his England career. France works for him, as it did loosehead Andrew Sheridan.
Does anybody seriously doubt that Jonny’s move to France has been anything other than a glorious triumph in playing terms? Going back a few years I recall Rob Andrew going great guns for England during the 1992 Five Nations after he joined Toulouse for a season. Toby Flood was summarily dropped from England consideration early this season when confirming he was off to France next season but don’t be surprised if he finishes his career playing the best rugby of his life down in Toulouse.
I would never propose a Farage-Clegg style debate on Europe – perish the thought – but seriously guys what exactly is the issue here?