England 2024/25

[big ginger 8]

Mentioned it in the challenge cup thread but Underhill banned for four weeks - meaning he'll miss one or two of the summer games (depending on if Bath make the final...so one!)

Would imagine he won't make the squad in that case considering it's only a three game tour and the third game is vs USA

Presume he wouldn't want to play against his home nation as well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Presume he wouldn't want to play against his home nation as well.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

The BBC say the A match is covered so it only be the first match in Argentina.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Sam will be in the bad books. Fancy rocking up to a disciplinary and arguing your case rather than completely falling on your sword as you’re supposed to.

Having only just seen the incident I have some sympathy for his argument that it didn’t warrant a red, although with the prevailing mood the ultimate outcome was inevitable. Given Underhill was where he was I’m not sure what else he could have realistically done.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

The BBC say the A match is covered so it only be the first match in Argentina.

Still given the back row options is there any real reason to bring someone who will miss that first test?
Not like we are pushed for spots
6. CCS, Hill, Kenningham,
7. Curry, Pepper, Ilione
8. Willis, Alfie, Dombrandt

It's not like we are desperate for him

 

[TRF_Olyy]

The BBC say the A match is covered so it only be the first match in Argentina.

If Bath don't make the final he's still not eligible for the A game though, as no players from the playoffs are in it (or at least that's what I read before)

 

[BrokenWing]

If Bath don't make the final he's still not eligible for the A game though, as no players from the playoffs are in it (or at least that's what I read before)

Just do a Ringrose though.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

If Bath don't make the final he's still not eligible for the A game though, as no players from the playoffs are in it (or at least that's what I read before)

I mean in terms of the Ban. So it’s only one Match in Argentina not both of them at risk.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I mean in terms of the Ban. So it's only one Match in Argentina not both of them at risk.

But he wouldn't be eligible for the A game due to being a Bath player so it can't count towards the ban, surely?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Even if the game v Fra is out of scope, if Bath made the final wouldn’t the ban cover R18, SF, F and Arg1? Presumably the RFU couldn’t make any assumptions around the likelihood of him being rested this weekend.

If he’s available for 2 tour matches I’d take him, but not otherwise.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

if Bath made the final wouldn't the ban cover R18, SF, F and Arg1

Yeah,
Bath makes the final he misses Arg1, Bath don't make the final he misses Arg1 and Arg2

Bath are already guaranteed to make the playoffs so England XV vs France XV shouldn't enter the equation at any point

 

[Geordie]

Is he in contract with Bath still or out of contract this summer?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Is he in contract with Bath still or out of contract this summer?

As far as I can see contracted to end of 25/6 season. Red Bull would need deep pockets….

 

[Geordie]

As far as I can see contracted to end of 25/6 season. Red Bull would need deep pockets….

Ha ha actually Id heard that he was potentially off to France this summer so would there be any point taking him on the tour. But if it's 26 he's contracted to then thats fine for another season.

 

[Rugbyfan564]

But he wouldn't be eligible for the A game due to being a Bath player so it can't count towards the ban, surely?

i think in theory he is eligible it's just they not picking anyone from the playoffs for it.

 

[Reiser99]

i think in theory he is eligible it's just they not picking anyone from the playoffs for it.

Well I thought it had to be that he would have played, just not been eligible, but after the joke that was Ringrose and the Irish team who knows.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

i think in theory he is eligible

How?

 

[Reiser99]

How?

After he's not picked for Bath as he's banned just write a memo saying we would have picked him had he not been banned. That's good enough for WR these days.

 

[Geordie]

With Earl, Curry and Pollock away do you see Underhill as a vital selection for the tour?

 

[Ddanno]

With Earl, Curry and Pollock away do you see Underhill as a vital selection for the tour?

Not essential. We still have Burry, CCS, Pepper, Kenningham, Pearson to choose from.