England’s overseas player policy is reverse protectionism for Stuart Lancaster | Paul Rees

Rules are rules – and Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon knew that when going abroad – but what is it worth if it amounts to the sum of its exceptions?• Sam Burgess closes on World Cup spot but England leave door ajar for dramaSam Burgess has been a welcome distraction for Stuart Lancaster this month. As the England head coach pondered his extended training squad for the World Cup, the rugby league recruit provided an alternative debate to two players based in France whose cause was being advocated loudly, Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon.Such has been the clamour for the recall of Armitag…