Henry Arundell is set to be back in an England shirt sooner than expected and could feature in the summer tour matches with Argentina and USA, if selected by Steve Borthwick.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup, the 22-year-old back has been unavailable to national head coach Borthwick because of his current employment in France.
English rugby rules state a player must be employed by one of the 10 Gallagher Premiership clubs and cannot play abroad if they want to be available to Borthwick.
Last week, Bath confirmed the signing of Arundell from Paris club Racing 92 for the start of next season on a three-year deal.
As a result, it was expected Arundell’s first chance of an England return would come in the autumn internationals later this year.
However, Mail Sport can reveal that the terms of his Bath move mean he will in fact be available for England’s summer tour matches in July.
Henry Arundell is set to return to England duties after he agreed a deal to join Bath
Steve Borthwick could select Arundell for the summer tour matches against USA and Argentina
Arundell will likely be a boost to England’s back division with his eye for the try line and pace
Arundell is also likely to be under consideration for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. However, if he does not make that elite party he would be a strong contender to travel with England.
Borthwick’s side face two Tests in Argentina on July 5 and July 12 before playing in the USA on July 19.
Arundell, who can play wing and full-back, has seven tries in 10 England Tests to date and crossed for five scores in one game against Chile in his penultimate international appearance. Borthwick will surely be keen to add Arundell back into his set-up as quickly as possible given his ability to bring pace and an eye for the try line to his back division.
England’s first-choice wing pairing of Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who is currently out with a shoulder injury, are both set to be strong Lions contenders.
But even when Borthwick can select from a fully fit squad, Arundell is likely to be pushing hard for inclusion in his strongest 23.
Arundell will also be part of a Harlem Globetrotters-style Bath three-quarter division alongside Santi Carreras, Joe Cokanasiga, Ollie Lawrence, Cameron Redpath, Finn Russell and Ben Spencer next season which will not only be the envy of their Premiership rivals, but also one of the strongest anywhere in Europe.
Bath were beaten by Northampton in last season’s Premiership final but are top of the pile this season with the league currently on a break for the Six Nations.
