English rugby union’s neglect of the north is shrinking the talent pool

Is it any wonder that players from northern clubs are a rarity in the England team when the national side sticks to Twickenham?Welcome to the month of November when half the world’s planes seem to be stuffed with rugby players. Most have no choice if they wish to pursue their chosen trade. Ireland and New Zealand are in Chicago this week while Australia and South Africa are in London. Fiji are training in Toulouse, with England opting for a short warm-weather break in Portugal. There are almost as many gumshields passing through departure lounges as giant Toblerones.There is good reason for th…