The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have been blasted for its eligibility rules to represent England after Owen Farrell effectively ended his international career by agreeing to join French side Racing 92.
The RFU have banned players based abroad from being selected for England since 2011, although exceptions were made for former Wasps and Worcester players after both clubs respectively folded.
The intention of the rule was to try and protest the quality of the English league, but players have departed for foreign competitions due to the finances on offer.
The salary cap in France's Top 14 division is set at £9.2million while Premiership Rugby clubs operating with a budget just over £7m.
Owen Farrell will be ineligible to be selected for England
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The rule has been ridiculed in the past with Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon winning European Rugby Player of the Year awards while playing abroad and not being selected to play for England.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has previously requested the RFU to rethink their policy on banning overseas players from being selected for their country.
Farrell is now ineligible to play for England after signing a two-year deal with Racing 92 unless the RFU change their policy.
The 32-year-old announced in November he was taking a break from international rugby to "prioritise his mental wellbeing" with Jamie George taking over as England captain.
But the prospect of Farrell not being eligible to return to the England setup because of a move abroad hasn't sat well with some fans.
One X user fumed: "The most ridiculous rule for someone who has 112 caps. Whether or not he should be England’s 10 is another matter but with that much experience to be ineligible is sabotage!!"
Another moaned: "I'm so sad he's going but understand the horrible treatment he so undeservedly got was too much. I sincerely hope the rules change as the thought of him never playing for @EnglandRugby or indeed @RugbySaracens is too much to contemplate."
A third noted: "I hope that Owen Farrell will be happy at Racing 92 and I wish him luck. Obviously as it stands, playing for a team based abroad means he will be ineligible to play for England, unless there will be a rule change. He will be missed."
Owen Farrell stepped down as England captain last year
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There were also complaints made directly to the RFU for the way they've handled the "mess" in English rugby union.
One angrily wrote: "English rugby is a mess, he has a short career, needs to cash in whilst he can."
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Owen Farrell has joined Racing 92 on a two-year deal
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Another posted: "It's a shame but no-one can blame him for chasing the money. What is a shame is British rugby has lost a big personality. A player recognised outside rugby. British rugby desperately needs some high-profile players ( as well as terrestrial coverage ) to raise the game's profile."
A third said: "RFU can be blamed however, for their Captain basically retiring from test rugby. After two last four World Cup finishes. Not to mention the boos from some fans. Can’t blame HIM but it’s embarrassing for England rugby."
