Scotland vs England: The Battle for Dual-Qualified Six Nations Stars
The Auld Enemy, New Talent: Scotland & England's Scrap for Tomorrow's Stars
In the world of rugby, the battle for talent is fierce, and the line between nations can be blurred for players with dual-qualification. This is the story of Bevan Rodd and Ewan Ashman, two players who could have represented either Scotland or England, and the complex factors that influenced their decisions.
A Tale of Two Nations
Bevan Rodd and Ewan Ashman, once teammates at Sale, now find themselves on opposing sides at Murrayfield. In April 2021, England coach Eddie Jones sent forwards coach Matt Proudfoot to assess their international ambitions. Rodd, with Scottish heritage, and Ashman, with a Canadian-born father, both had the option to play for either nation.
The Battle for Talent
The fight for these dual-qualified players is not unique to Rodd and Ashman. Many prospects face the same choice due to shared borders and history. England wing Tom Roebuck, born in Inverness, and centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, born in South Africa, are just two examples. For nations with smaller talent pools, like Scotland, securing the commitment of promising youngsters is crucial.
Factors in a Player's Decision
National pride is a significant factor. Ashman, for instance, made it clear to England's coaches that he wanted to play for Scotland. However, players may also be torn between different parts of their identity. Flanker Gary Graham, who grew up in Carlisle, initially chose Scotland, despite feeling more English than Scottish. Money is another consideration, with England offering higher salaries for their best players.
The Knock-On Effect on Club Careers
Players' decisions at international level can impact their club careers. Ben Vellacott, who represented Scotland at age-grade levels, turned down an invite to join Gregor Townsend's senior squad, fearing it might affect his club career. Conversely, English selection policies can drive talent towards Scotland, as Steve Borthwick is restricted to picking players from English clubs, while Townsend can choose freely.
Education and Development
For younger prospects, education can be a key factor. Partnerships between Prem clubs and prestigious schools or university courses can lure players across the border. The Scottish influence at Newcastle Red Bulls, with Townsend as a consultant and his former Scotland teammate Jonny Petrie as managing director, could be a development to watch.
The Future of Dual-Qualified Players
With the residency period for qualification increased to five years in 2021, so-called 'project' players are now rare. It makes little sense to invest in a player who might only be available for one Rugby World Cup cycle. Instead, the cross-border fight for talent with immediate credentials is hotter than ever.
The Battle Continues
The battle to secure these dual-qualified talents continues right up until they are 'captured' via a senior or second-string appearance for a country, but it starts much earlier. The Scottish Rugby SQ program, designed to establish connections with youngsters living and playing outside Scotland, is one initiative to identify and nurture these players. As the Six Nations approaches, the battle for these stars will be fought on the field and in the minds of young players and their families.
