Wednesday 20 May 2015 21:50, UK
Stuart Lancaster has defended his decision to overlook Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon in his England World Cup training squad.
Armitage and Abendanon have been in fantastic form for Toulon and Clermont respectively, the former winning a third successive Champions Cup while the latter succeeded Armitage as European Player of the Year.
But Lancaster refused to activate the 'exceptional circumstances' contingency that would enable him to select overseas-based players.
"The policy was put in place to support the short, medium and long-term health of the English game and I've fully supported it. We believe it's important," said Lancaster.
"We want to see all of our players play for English clubs. We believe it's our responsibility as national coaches to protect the health of the English game.
"It was a difficult decision, but we feel it was the right one. I've been consistent on this since the start.
"We also believe the commitment of players who have decided to stay in England would be eroded if we selected those who are based overseas. It was a difficult decision, but we feel it was the right one. I've been consistent on this since the start.
"If the policy changed, we could see players start to join clubs in France. Where does it leave you if more and more players go overseas? In my opinion it leaves you weaker."
Abendanon told Sky Sports News HQ he was 'gutted' to miss out on selection and claimed that an England call would have tempted him to seek a move back to the Premiership to further his international ambitions.
He said: "I was really hopeful that he (Lancaster) might make the leap of faith and bring us in, so I am a bit gutted at the decision that's been made. Stuart gave me a call yesterday and he explained his reasons behind them.
"If England had decided to bring in French players, I think me and Steffon probably would have been itching to get hold of English clubs to take us back to the Premiership."
Meanwhile, Lancaster said he felt compelled to act after Manu Tuilagi's most recent disciplinary lapse, stating his long-term groin injury played no part in his decision making.
"There's no other word to describe the Manu situation other than disappointing - the incident itself, for Manu himself and for the country," Lancaster said.
"It was a tough week last week, but it was the right decision and right stance. Whether he was fit or unfit was irrelevant, the way players behave as role models on and off the field is important."
Last week Tuilagi was ruled out of international rugby until January after admitting assaulting a taxi driver and two female police officers.
