ON THE BLINDSIDE
BY NEIL FISSLER

Bristol Bears could throw Jack Willis, below, an England lifeline with Premiership clubs ready to fight any plans to scrap the rule which prevents overseas-based players from being picked by Steve Borthwick.
The newly installed England boss wants the RFU to rethink the policy after losing Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marchant and David Ribbans to Top 14 clubs this summer.

Premiership clubs are preparing to scrap plans to raise the salary cap from £5 million and are ready to take a hardline stance against players who want to accept better offers...