Sam Lewis for England?

[Scrumhead]

Apparently England are scouting Sam Lewis, the Welsh Worcester openside who qualifies through his mum born in Leicester: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... h-14955029

I actually really rate Lewis. I’m just always super uncomfortable with non-English players being prioritised over English talent that isn’t inferior. Lewis is probably a better player than either of the Curry twins or Underhill right now but I’d say it’s debatable and in another year or two, they may well surpass him.

As a disclaimer, this was originally posted on Planet Rugby but I thought it might serve as another rugby conversation as opposed to word association crap. As usual on there it was full of the other home nations just coming to slag England off so I’d rather discuss it here!

[Which Tyler]

So... he's half English, and lives in England, playing for an English club...
IMO that makes him English enough to pick if he's good enough - on which, I haven't a clue

[twitchy]

Is there a new way to have the nationality qualification argument after round 943737284? I think it's probably the most boring and repeated discussion ever (not to try and shit on your thread specifically scrumhead).

It shouldn't be down to individual countries to self police on some weird ethereal set of values or what ever always happens. The rules should be dictated from the top and clearly agreed on by every one.

Does the player qualify and want to play for x country. Y/N - then get on with it.

[fivepointer]

So... he's half English, and lives in England, playing for an English club...
IMO that makes him English enough to pick if he's good enough - on which, I haven't a clue

On qualification agree completely. Is he good enough? I'm not convinced he is.

[Digby]

Why are we publicising such interest?

[Scrumhead]

To be fair, I’m not sure WE are. The article is from Wales Online.

[Numbers]

So... he's half English, and lives in England, playing for an English club...
IMO that makes him English enough to pick if he's good enough - on which, I haven't a clue

He played in a Wales probables v possibles match a few years ago and didn't quite make it, he is an excellent jackaller helped by his short stature.

[Timbo]

I like Sam Lewis, always thought he was a tough, annoying bugger, especially at the tackle area and breakdown. Could definitely see him doing a good job for a top 4/6 club.

But I’ve never thought of him as an international level talent. Would much rather invest in Curry’s x 2, Underhill, Simmonds at 7...or someone like Lewis Ludlow.

[Scrumhead]

Yeah. I agree. That was my original point. Lewis is a good player but I’d question whether he’s good enough to be ahead of the Currys. I’m still undecided on Underhill, I’ve just never seen him do anything that special.

Ludlow looks like a good player but I think he’s probably a bit too much of a 6.5 who’s not outstandingly good in any one aspect of a top flankers’ remit.

[Warrior85]

Sam has probably been our most consistent performer for the past 2 seasons! Unbelievably brave and puts his body on the line every game! Does the job of a 7 extremely well and there is always chat from the club that he would be one of our best centres if played there as well. Very talented guy!

For me he is the 7 England have needed for a while, does all the things that none of our other 7/6 1/2's do (Currys as the possible exceptions from the limited amount I've seen of them).

As a Worcester fan I'd be gutted to lose him in international windows but very pleased as an England fan!