# James Haskell slams England overseas eligibility rule

> James Haskell calls England's overseas eligibility rule 'utter nonsense' and demands its end.
- Title: James Haskell slams England overseas eligibility rule
- Summary: James Haskell calls England's overseas eligibility rule 'utter nonsense' and demands its end.
- Keywords: england rugby, overseas eligibility rule, james haskel, rugby world cup 2027, toulouse, wasps, maro itoje, steve borthwick, The Rugby Paper
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/497476/james-haskell-slams-utter-nonsense-england-overseas-eligibility-rule
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-11-12T16:29:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: england rugby, overseas eligibility rule, james haskel, rugby world cup 2027, toulouse, wasps, maro itoje, steve borthwick, sports
## Haskell criticizes rule
James Haskell calls England's overseas player eligibility rule 'utter nonsense' and the 'stupidest rule conceived'.

> It’s utter nonsense. It’s the stupidest rule conceived.
## Willis eligibility issue
Jack Willis, former Wasps teammate, may play for Ireland after becoming Toulouse captain.

> Jack Willis, a former team-mate of Haskell at Wasps, recently brought the rule into focus again
## Rule impact on players
Players should be allowed to play where they want and still represent their country.

> Players should be allowed to play where they want and still play for their country
## Club affordability
Rugby clubs can't afford to pay all players so they need to let players go abroad.

> Rugby clubs can't afford to pay all these players, so they need to let players go abroad and have that opportunity
## World Cup contenders
England are genuine 2027 Rugby World Cup contenders with discipline as key factor.

> I think they are. I think ben earl, tom curry, finn smith and feyi waboso, when he’s fit, are all very good
## Discipline statistics
Keeping 15 players on field makes england world number two; yellow cards drop them to ninth or eleventh.

> If they lose players to yellow cards, they drop down to ninth or 11th in the world
## Borthwick coaching
Steve Borthwick's coaching staff are good but players must show discipline to win.

> I do think the coaching staff are good. I think they’re the right people for the job
## Player responsibility
Players must enact game plan and play well to secure rugby world cup success.

> It’s down to the players on the field to have that discipline, enact the game plan and play well
## Key takeaway

James Haskell says England's overseas player eligibility rule is 'utter nonsense' and must be scrapped for 2027 World Cup success.