The decision by the RFU to petition World Rugby for Bristol’s South African-born-and-bred centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg to be granted a switch of international allegiance to England under an “exceptional circumstances” dispensation is a self-serving disgrace.

How can the RFU possibly expect loyalty and respect as an institution when it deliberately circumvents regulations in order to poach overseas players, and trashes its own player development pathways at the same time?
What message does it send to all the aspiring centres of 24 and under who have battled through the English system, li...