Claims that picking Steffon Armitage would undermine England team spirit at the World Cup have been dismissed as naive by the flanker’s Toulon club-mate Drew Mitchell. The Australian reckons Armitage would add a fresh dimension to the squad and says the Wallabies would prefer not to face him this autumn.
A number of English players have suggested selecting an overseas-based player under the exceptional-circumstances clause would not be popular within the dressing room but Mitchell believes there is a degree of self-interest involved.
“To be honest, I think that’s a bit of a cop-out. That’s just people who are based in England who are raising queries because perhaps they, or a friend, might miss out if Steffon comes in.
“If one guy is capable of disrupting the group culture, I guess the focus would have to be: how strong is that culture? Steffon’s a very adaptable, likeable guy. He can adapt in any group I’ve seen him in. He’s a very well-liked member of our squad and to say he would disrupt the environment is quite naive. What he brings on the field is world class and off the field he’s a really good bloke as well. It would be a real shame if they use that as an excuse not to pick him.”
Armitage and Mitchell, now eligible for the World Cup following the Australian Rugby Union’s decision to allow overseas-based senior players to play Test rugby with immediate effect, will be at Twickenham on Saturday with a Toulon side chasing a record third successive European title. Should the 29-year-old Armitage have another outstanding game, the public clamour for his inclusion in England’s World Cup training squad, to be named in mid-May, will merely increase.
“If you’re looking at the England squad they probably don’t have anyone who plays his style of game,” Mitchell said. “A high turnover rate, a strong ball-carrier, a good running game and someone who links well with backs and forwards. I think he would really add some value to the England squad.
“He’s been consistently playing well over a number of seasons. Steffon won the European player of the year award last season and has been nominated again this year. Part of me hopes he’s not included because it’s a pretty tough World Cup pool already. But Steffon’s a good mate of mine and I would really like to see him get what he deserves and play again for England.”
Toulon’s players have also indicated they would love to have Paul O’Connell in their ranks next season if the Munster and Ireland captain were to commit to a career swansong on the Cote D’Azur. “At this point of time it’s speculation but having someone with such experience and respect – not only within the group but worldwide in rugby – would be an invaluable addition to our squad,” said Mitchell. “If he does turn up for pre-season I’m sure the squad will really benefit from his presence.”
