Steffon Armitage© AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND LANGLOIS

Carl Hayman believes rugby bosses should not be allowed to enforce "political decisions" that "restrict player movement" and could see Steffon Armitage miss this year's World Cup.

Toulon captain Hayman led the Cote d'Azur club to an unprecedented third consecutive European title in Saturday's 24-18 Twickenham victory over Clermont, then backed Armitage for an England recall. Former All Blacks tight-head Hayman opted to join Toulon from Newcastle Falcons in 2010 rather than chase World Cup glory with New Zealand a year later.

New Zealand and England are the last remaining Test nations to refuse to select overseas-based stars after Australia's partial U-turn, but Hayman believes both countries should be forced into a policy shift.

"I think Steffon Armitage definitely deserves to go to the World Cup this year with England," Hayman told Press Association Sport. "He was European Player of the Year last year and he's made the shortlist again this year.

"It's not playing ability that's stopping him making the squad it's a political decision."

Australia have lifted their blanket selection ban on foreign-based stars, confirming they will consider overseas players with 60 or more caps. The Wallabies' middle-ground compromise has opened the door for Toulon duo Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell to feature at the autumn World Cup.

Both men starred in Saturday's inaugural Champions Cup final, Mitchell's savvy line and searing run claiming the decisive try. Armitage played full part in Toulon's third-straight European triumph, but unlike Mitchell and Giteau does not have new World Cup avenues before him.

The former London Irish flanker remains blocked by England's refusal to select players based abroad save for the "extraordinary circumstances" clause that is yet to be invoked. Hayman is adamant national unions must end tactics designed to keep top stars plying their trade on home soil and bow to rugby's increasing globalisation.

"The sooner that rugby gets to grips with the fact it's a professional game and players move around the better for everyone," said Hayman. "Players would then have more choice to play where they want, which they ought to have.

"Players shouldn't be restricted by not being able to move countries because they won't get selected for their national team. Those kinds of decisions restrict player movement, and I don't think that should happen.

"Players should be able to come and go to whichever country they like, and still be available for their national team."