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Next season's 'England abroad XV' will be worryingly good

By Ian Cameron
Owen Farrell of England looks on during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Bronze Final match between Argentina and England at Stade de France on October 27, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

This match-day squad made up of England rugby talent playing abroad - as of next season - showcases the significant talent drain from the Gallagher Premiership in recent times.

Brimming with seasoned internationals and promising talents yet to earn their Test stripes, it demonstrates just how much English player power is heading abroad; and makes for an eye-watering-ly strong 23.

1. Hayden Thompson-Stringer

The former England U20s and Saracens loosehead is currently at Australian Super Rugby Pacific side the Waratahs.

2. Jack Singleton

With just four caps, Singleton has had limited opportunities to establish himself within the England setup but has shown potential when called upon. He's currently on loan with Toulon although RugbyPass understands he could well be returning to the Premiership next season.

3. Kyle Sinckler

Sinckler had been a crucial member of the England team for the best part of a decade, contributing significantly in both the scrum and open play, amassing 68 caps. However, mediocre form has seen him slip down the pecking order. He'll be at Toulon next season.

4. Dave Ribbans

Had eleven caps to his name before deciding to up sticks for Toulon. The 6'7, 116kg second row was just getting going at Test level with England but opted for a lucrative French deal instead of staying put at Northampton.

5. Courtney Lawes

With over 100 Test caps, Lawes has been a seemingly eternal presence in England's forward pack over the years and has even been tipped to star again for the British & Irish Lions next season. He's headed to Brive next season after over a 16 years at Franklin's Gardens.

England's Manu Tuilagi and Courtney Lawes (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

6. Jack Willis

Despite a promising start, injuries and a move to Toulouse have limited Willis to just 14 England caps. He decided to stay with the French giants even though it's ended his Test career for now.

7. Sam Simmonds

With 16 caps, Simmonds had impressed with his pace and power from the back of the scrum for a struggling Montpellier. Although normally a No.8, we've moved him to 7 to accommodate the next player on the list.

8. Billy Vunipola

A key figure in the England back row down through the year, Vunipola has over  75 caps, known for his ball-carrying ability and physicality. He's leaving Saracens for Montpellier at the end of the season.

9. Jack Maunder

The former Exeter Chiefs halfback is playing his rugby at crisis-hit Melbourne Rebels, who are reportedly struggling to stay afloat.

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

10. Owen Farrell

Undoubtedly the biggest transfer of the season, Farrell has 112 caps for England and although he's signed for Stuart Lancaster's Racing 92, he's said he hasn't given up on making an England return.

11. Henry Arundell

One of England's most exciting talents, Arundell has earned 10 caps, showing his electrifying pace and scoring ability with a few cameos at the Rugby World Cup. Moved to Racing 92 at the start of this season but is very much seen as a future prospect for England in the Test arena.

England cap Henry Arundell has been swiftly won over to the Top 14 at Racing 92 to the extent he has put his Test career on hold to stay in France (Photo Christophe Simon/AFP via Getty Images)

12. Piers Francis

Francis has appeared in nine Tests for England, offering versatility in the midfield but has struggled to secure a regular starting position before falling out of Test selection. Not playing at the brilliantly named Kurita Water Gush Akishima in Japan.

13. Manu Tuilagi

When not injured, Tuilagi has been a powerful force in England's midfield for well over a decade. He's signed for Bayonne after spending his entire career to date in the Gallagher Premiership. He's probably played his last Test for England.

14. Joe Marchant

Marchant is playing for Stade Francais after an on-again, off-again 'situationship' with England came to an end last year. He's just 27, so has plenty of time to return should he want another crack.

15. Jack Nowell

With 46 caps, Nowell has been a versatile and hard-working player for England before deciding to head to France. Has been bedevilled by injuries and hasn't played to much for his new club as a result.

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16. Sean McNulty

Although he came up in the Irish system, McNulty was born in London and English qualified. He currently plays for the Miami Sharks MLR franchise.

17. Mako Vunipola

Vunipola announced his retirement from Test rugby earlier this year and there are rumours that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season. There are also rumours linking him with a move to France.

18. Will Collier

With just 2 caps, Collier has had limited exposure at the international level. He'll be at Castres next season.

19. Alex Moon

Moon is also uncapped but was in the England mix until he signed for Bayonne.

20. Lewis Ludlam

Unlucky not to make the starting 15, Ludlam has proven to be a resilient and energetic flanker for England. With 25 caps he looked to be on the verge of a lengthy career before agreeing to join Toulon.

21. Willi Heinz

Although an elder statesman at 37, Heinz is currently on the books with Crusaders back in the country of his birth.

22. Zack Henry

Henry has been enjoying life at Pau since leaving Leicester Tigers.

22. Matt Gallagher

Gallagher has yet to feature for England, still looking for his first cap at the international level. He's leaving Bath for Benetton at the end of the season.