David Ribbans (left) will not be available to the following six nations due to current rules. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers
Northampton and England, row two David Ribbans says pressure is mounting on the Rugby Union to rethink the ban on foreign players.
Ribbuns, who started the final six nations of England since his away defeat in Ireland, will join a growing group of English expatriates heading into France's top 14 when he joins Toulon in the summer. The 27-year-old will still be eligible during the World Cup, but in his current form he will be unavailable for England manager Steve Borthwick in the 2024 Six Nations.
However, with the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickey, Sam Simmonds, Joe Marchant and Jack Nowell joining Toulouse's Jack Willis, who was selected under «exceptional circumstances». point during the Six Nations, heading to France, the situation may be about to change. Ribbans says the players will convince the RFU to relax its strict policy.
«That's the conversation we're having and we'll see what happens in the future,» Ribbans said after Northampton's 38-29 victory over Saracens on Saturday. “But I think there will be some pressure, so we'll see what happens. It's still early. Let's see what happens after the World Cup.
“I had positive conversations with Steve [Bortwick] about the World Cup and I'm still on the list. It's in my hands, depending on how I play. All the clubs in France agree and would like me to take part in the World Cup, so they supported me. And we will see what happens in the future with English and foreign players.
"There is obviously some pressure on the RFU at the moment regarding this and the Premier League, so we'll see what happens. This was probably the most important decision I had to make as I abandoned my international ambitions, but I think the steps were taken at the right time"
David Ribbans (centre) impresses during England's defeat in the Six Nations by Ireland. Credit: Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Ribbans was one of England's best players in their 29-16 defeat to Ireland and arguably came the closest to taking George Cruise's place. As much as England missed him, he would leave an even bigger hole in the Northampton's engine room. The Saints are a team bursting with pace and excitement, but they also rely on the strength and weight that Ribbans provide.
Despite six attempts against a Saracen team that had Duncan Taylor sent off after eight minutes, it was Ribbans' carrying and stopping ability that won the Man of the Match award, even if it should probably have been given to the Saracens. quarterback Alex Good, who led their fight superbly.
While there will be a Northampton alumni ceremony that may or may not include Courtney Lowes against Leicester Tigers XV on April 29, it was effectively a farewell for Ribbans. As much as Northampton, who need to beat Newcastle on Friday night to continue their hunt for a play-off spot, would like to keep him, they couldn't get close to Toulon's offer.
«It was unbelievable a difficult decision, especially given the international situation,” he said. Ribbans said. "My life in the Saints was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but all good things come to an end and I needed a new challenge.
"I wanted to move to the team, who also has ambition, and I bought into it. At the end of the day, I just needed a new challenge, to experience something new, to live in a beautiful part of the world, to try out in a new league.
"I'm still young enough to be able to do these things. I don't have kids or a family, so moving was a lot easier. It was just a combination of things that came together and I'm very excited to join a new club but totally focused on finishing first here at the top"
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