Racing 92 recently announced the extension of the contract of its English full-back or winger Henry Arundell for two seasons. Arriving this season at Ciel et Blanc, the English nugget (21 years old, 10 caps) decided to extend his exile in France and therefore deprive himself of an international career with the XV de la Rose. Asked by Le Parisien, the former London Irish player said: “I am at peace with the decision taken. I told Steve Borthwick (the England manager) that the best thing for my development was to play here. Of course I would like the rules to change but I understand that, for the English championship, the best thing is to keep its internationals.
Henry Arundell also explains that the presence of his compatriot Stuart Lancaster as manager pushed him to want to stay in Hauts-de-Seine. “I probably wouldn’t have been as interested in France without him. I had other offers but he convinced me. (…) Stuart Lancaster brings that sense of control to the English that the team needs. But we also have this French magic, the Fijian flair, the Argentinians, the Kiwis, the South Africans… All with control and organization. And it highlights the magic of the team.”
Steve Borthwick, for his part, confided last week: “He was very clear that he wanted to come back for the 2026-2027 season and that he wanted to play for England in the next World Cup . I can see him playing an important role in the England team over the next few seasons and gaining experience, and I will be watching him closely.” He added that he told him: “Henry, I’m really disappointed, because I want you to come back to England and I would like to see you in the England jersey, but I want you to succeed.”
