Young England winger Henry Arundell resisted the advances of two NRL clubs, as per his agent. Ryan Shahin, Arundell’s agent, strongly denied speculation in the Australian media that linked the 21-year-old to clubs. Reports suggested that Arundell’s agents had reached out for opportunities, contrary to the other way around. Shahin told the Daily Mail, “Players of Henry’s calibre generate almost constant interest. Whilst we have had a couple of enquiries recently from NRL sides, these are not something Henry has entertained or considered in any way, and we were clear in our response.” He further added, “Any reports of a possible move to rugby league are false. Henry is excited for the remainder of the season with Racing – and hopefully with England.”
Arundell, who made his Test debut under former England coach Eddie Jones last year, has made a strong impression in the Perth Test, scoring a remarkable try as a late replacement. Jones praised Arundell’s performance by saying, “Henry scored…how long is the field, 100 metres? He scored a 90-metre try at training on Wednesday. He could be a very good player but he’s got a long way to go. We feel like if he continues his development and we’re able to give him some game time on this tour, by the World Cup he could be a significant player.”
Arundell has just joined Paris club Racing 92 and scored a hat-trick on debut last weekend. The Lions have also announced a partnership with England’s Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship to ensure players’ availability for the 2025 tour to Australia. Additionally, the Western Force have released their 2024 playing jerseys, featuring a fresh design and an Indigenous design representing Western Australia’s pride.
In other news, England player Tom Curry, who accused South African Bongi Mbonambi of a racial slur, has been backed by his teammate Courtney Lawes on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast. Lawes stated, “I do because he will know it was said to him… If people are running around saying ‘wit kant’ or whatever they’re saying has been said, that’s completely different to when someone looks in your eyes and tells you something.”
Overall, the article covers the latest developments in rugby, from transfer rumours to player controversies and new jersey designs.