Henry Arundell transfer saga takes another twist as RFU left embarrassed – report
England wing Henry Arundell during the Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby Football Union’s idea of a hybrid contract looks set to get off to an embarrassing start with Henry Arundell set to reject their offer.
England’s flyer is at the centre of a transfer tug of war between Racing 92 and Bath, but the 21-year-old appears likely to choose the former.
According to the Telegraph, Arundell has decided to remain in France and sign a two-year deal, instead of returning to the Premiership.
Less financially lucrative
It is not based on money, with the hybrid contract between Bath and the RFU more than what Racing are giving him, but the back three player feels staying in the Top 14 is better for his development.
Should that be confirmed in coming days, he will become ineligible for international duty and will not be able to play for the Red Rose over the duration of his contract.
That includes the 2024 Six Nations, despite the RFU previously giving him dispensation to play in next year’s annual international tournament.
The situation has changed since then and, according to reports, the negotiations with the Professional Game Board means that Arundell will now only be available for the Six Nations should he sign with an English club.
Bath were initially the frontrunners for his signature, as well as that of Springboks lock RG Snyman, but they look to have missed out on the Englishman.
Impressive start in France
The speedster made his debut for Racing against Toulon in the Top 14 and he scored a hat-trick before he followed that up with a try in the victory over La Rochelle.
That came after he touched down five times at the Rugby World Cup, with all of those tries coming against Chile in a 71-0 triumph.
However, his opportunities for the Red Rose have been limited, while when he has played in the bigger games he has not touched the ball much.
Given that Arundell is not an automatic selection for Steve Borthwick’s 23-man squad and that the game plan does not really suit him, he perhaps feels spending two more years in France will be a beneficial move for his long-term career.
