Exiled England forward rejects possible France call-up - Ruck

Exiled England forward rejects possible France call-up

Number 8 Zach Mercer will return to England in the summer, signing with Gloucester after a two-year spell with Montpellier.

The 25-year-old will join the Cherry and Whites  despite contemplating a return to Bath.

Mercer has impressed in France, and has revealed he was asked to stay and represent Les Blues

He told the Mail Online: ‘Fabien Galthie’s from Montpellier so he comes down to training sometimes. We’ve had a few conversations on the touchline and he’s said, “Why don’t you stay and play for France?”

‘I really like him as a coach. Whether what he said was tongue in cheek or not, I’m not sure! It’s hard to tell when you’re speaking in a second language.

“If I lived here for another three years it would be an option. But I want to play for England. That’s my dream. I’m 100 per cent clear on that. If it doesn’t happen this year, I know I’m young enough to have another shot.’

Mercer revealed that he almost joined another Premiership club prior to signing with Gloucester.

“I spoke to a few clubs and narrowed it down to Gloucester and Bath. Bath will always have a place in my heart. I spoke to Johann van Graan there but it didn’t work out. When I visited Gloucester, I knew it was the place I want to be.”

“I love the tribal nature of Kingsholm. That’s what it’s like out here in France. Fans booing and screaming in your face.

“The opportunity to work alongside guys like Lewis Ludlow, Ruan Ackermann and Albert Tuisue, Matias Alemanno, Freddie Clarke. I loved meeting George Skivington.

“You can see how much he cares. He told me he believes I should be in the England set-up and you want a coach that cares about you and believes in you. I know you don’t just walk in, though. You have to earn it.’

 5 England stars who could play against Steve Borthwick’s side at the World Cup

The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years.

These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.

This change could result in several English players changing their national allegiances in time for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.

#1. ALEX LOZOWSKI – TO ITALY

Number of caps: 5

Lozowski, who has an Italian grandmother, could take advantage of the new World Rugby rules surrounding eligibility. 

The Saracens star, who won the last of his six England caps in 2018, could swap with immediate effect following the rule change and has been approached by Italy boss Kieran Crowley.

He’s also been in contact with Italian qualified speedsters Louis Lynagh and Paulo Odogowu, who are both currently uncapped.

“I have been in contact. I haven’t personally been in contact with Paolo but he has been contacted,” Crowley said at the Six Nations launch.

“The other two [Lozowski and Lynagh] I have spoken to personally. They have made decisions at the moment that I respect. I support them. I’ll keep in contact with them. But certainly if they were available, we’d certainly be looking at them. They are all quality players.

“We will keep the lines of communication open. Not only with those three but there are a number of others as well.”

Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),

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