“I would never ask players not to play for England” - Mark McCall

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has said that the club will not ask their England players to put club before country despite their Premiership status being jeopardized by a 35-point deduction for beaching breaching salary cap regulations.

England head coach Eddie Jones expressed his concerns that Saracens players such as Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Elliot Daly, Mako and Billy Vunipola would prioritize Premiership survival over next year’s Six Nations.

 

 

 

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England head coach Eddie Jones fears that some of Saracens players could skip the Six Nations campaign to help their club avoid relegation

A post shared by Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) on Nov 18, 2019 at 11:01am PST

McCall went some way to ease Jones' concerns.

“I would never ask players not to play for England,” McCall told reporters. “We want them to play for their country and I support them doing so 100% ... it’s the pinnacle of the game.

“Wanting to play in the Six Nations doesn’t mean you’re not committed to the club. All of these guys are 100% committed to the club but playing for your country is playing for your country and I would support that every time.”

Club over country?

We have a look at what 23 could line up for England during the Six Nations if the Saracens' players made that call 👇https://t.co/txBhrcbpQF

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) November 19, 2019

“The end of the Six Nations might be a good time to see where we are and what is properly required.” McCall Said.

Via: Reuters