Former England wing baffled by Henry Arundell’s Racing 92 deal

Former England try-scorer Chris Ashton cannot comprehend why Henry Arundell would decide to stay in France with Racing 92.

The 21-year-old has turned his back on the Red Rose by signing a two-year deal with the Parisians, with his decision confirmed on Tuesday.

That will rule him out of Test duty for the duration of his contract, including the 2024 Six Nations where he had previously received special dispensation to play in that tournament.

Changes of stance

Negotiations with the Professional Game Board have changed matters and, as it stands, Arundell has to be committed to a Premiership club if he wants to participate in the annual international tournament which begins in February.

The speedster evidently feels that remaining in the French capital is better for his development, but Ashton very much disagrees.

Asked on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast whether signing a new deal with Racing will benefit the youngster’s career, the ex-England wing responded: “No way. How is that a good thing for a 21-year old player?”

“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.

“I’d like to know how many players there is that are 20-21 who have left their country and become a success?”

Fitting into England’s system

Another factor for Arundell is that he is not yet an established international having barely played at the recent Rugby World Cup.

He played against Chile, scoring five tries in that 71-0 triumph, and then started in the Bronze Final, but the youngster barely touched the ball in that clash.

There are suggestions that, despite his running talent, the Racing flyer does not fit into Steve Borthwick’s system, with other English wings better in the basics such as kick-chase and high ball expertise.

“Henry is a very special talent who for me needs to play consistent rugby and develop his game,” Ashton’s fellow ex-England wing Ugo Monye said on the same podcast.

“The steps from domestic to European to international are significant. 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.”

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