Stuart Lancaster: Leaving out Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon makes English game stronger
ESPN Staff
May 20, 2015
Steffon Armitage
Steffon Armitage© AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND LANGLOIS

Stuart Lancaster has defended his decision to overlook Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon for the World Cup.

The France-based pair, as expected, saw their claims ignored as England's head coach announced his 50-man training squad at Twickenham on Wednesday.

 "The policy was put in place to support the short, medium and long-term health of the English game and I've fully supported it. We believe it's important," Lancaster said.

"We want to see all of our players play for English clubs. We believe it's our responsibility as national coaches to protect the health of the English game.

"We also believe the commitment of players who have decided to stay in England would be eroded if we selected those who are based overseas.

"It was a difficult decision, but we feel it was the right one. I've been consistent on this since the start.

"If the policy changed, we could see players start to join clubs in France. Where does it leave you if more and more players go overseas? In my opinion it leaves you weaker."

Lancaster also says a long-term groin injury played no part in his decision to axe Manu Tuilagi following his most recent disciplinary lapse.

"There's no other word to describe the Manu situation other than disappointing - the incident itself, for Manu himself and for the country," Lancaster said.

"It was a tough week last week, but it was the right decision and right stance. Whether he was fit or unfit was irrelevant, the way players behave as role models on and off the field is important."

© ESPN Staff

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