England head coach Stuart Lancaster has hinted that France-based players are unlikely to feature in his squad for the upcoming November Test series.
Steffon Armitage, who was voted the outstanding player in the Top 14 last season, and his brother Delon have started 2012/13 in impressive form.
But with his squad being named next Thursday, Lancaster reiterated his stance on selection but wouldn't formally shut the door on those abroad.
"What makes it difficult when a player plays in France is they are not available for our camps when we need them," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"We have got a camp coming up at the end of this month (at St George's Park) and we have an agreement with the Premiership clubs to have access to the England players.
"It is not under the IRB release window so we can't get the lads who are in the French clubs.
"Toulon were in the French final the day we played South Africa in the first Test (in June) so it creates problems from that point of view.
"You would never say never but it is always going to be harder for players playing in France."
Forwards coach Graham Rowntree also stood by the showings of Chris Robshaw when questioned about what impact Steffon Armitage's absence might have at the breakdown.
"Over the summer tour Chris Robshaw stole more ball than any other seven playing in the summer, including New Zealand and Australia, but he is also a credible line-out threat and a ball-carrier," he said.
There have also been calls for in-form number eight Nick Easter to make a return to the squad, but the coaches believe he does not feature in England's long-term planning.
"Nick Easter is playing well," Rowntree said.
"We are well aware of his form but since this coaching crew came together, post the World Cup, we decided to look a bit younger, the likes of Ben Morgan, Thomas Waldrom, Phil Dowson have been playing eight for us.
"We are quite happy with their development because we have to look at the next World Cup.
"The door is not closed for Nick. He knows that. Age is not so much counting against him but the guys we have got there we are very happy with.
"If there is an injury, Nick knows he is one we will consider."
Comments
Rosbif says...
Funny. SL gets a tiny window into the world of being PSA. What is the French for "player release" or "training camp" or "your season is too long"? Oh, that's right, I forgot... that doesn't translate over the Channel.... they do things differently over there :-)
(Still, wonder if the Lions selectors will have more leeway?)
Posted 09:54 18th October 2012
pierredelot1 says...
Don't want to be choosing the likes of Armitage etc as they are far too exciting for England. Stefan seems to suffer from the same bias as did Neil Back in his early years, too small etc etc. But the little guys can get there quicker and as Backie proved they can reach parts other giants can't. As for Easter he's been the best performing 8 in the Premiership this season. Trouble is he tends to do offloads and such and England don't want a back row doing any fancy stuff. Waldrom seems to be be a good choice, outstandingly boring against Toulouse last Sunday, totally outplayed by Picamole, singularily one paced and unable to pass the ball in contact, thats what we need, Dowson not far off being the same beast. Yes Easter is getting on, but he brings far more to the table. I see this England side being workmanlike and boring, with no space for flare. No change there then. But the rest of the world has moved on. Lancaster is in danger of taking that old England route to success, no risk, tight rugby, based on a strong physical platform. bit like Leicester really, it gets you so far and then you stall and go no further.
Posted 09:45 18th October 2012
sirtidychris says...
Disapointing that we are missing out on one of the best 7's in the northern hemisphere when england have been looking for a decent 7 since neil back retired. In fairness though steffan had his chance a few years ago and didn't do spectacularly well and knew that by leaving england he was signing off on his career and as england fans we didn't mind too much. Now in france his form has exploded and everyone in england wants him in. TBH i would love to see steffan given a shot but like the article says Chris Robshaw has done a great job and offers us more in the lineout.
Posted 09:45 18th October 2012
Centre12 says...
Nick Easter is playing well, but one man does not make a team and I can't for one second believe that he will produce an International match winning performance. Selecting for the future and giving game time to players like Morgan, Dowson, Waldrom possibly Crane is the right thing to do, I wonder how Lawes would get on at #8.
S.Armitage I do feel sorry for, imagine a backrow of 6-Croft 7-Armitage 8-Robshaw, now that would surely create some free flowing rugby, 2x poachers who are both good with ball in hand
Posted 09:06 18th October 2012