Ben Earl out to take advantage of England 'clean slate' and end spell in wilderness - The Mirror

Saracens' Premiership player of the year last played for England in March 2021 and is determined to press his claim for a recall when Eddie Jones' successor takes office

Ben Earl is the Premiership player of the year who can’t get a look-in with England.

Or rather he was, under the management of Eddie Jones, who last capped the Saracens flanker in March of last year. Jones’ dismissal by England means Steve Borthwick will be in charge when the national team next plays.

New man, fresh ideas. Earl is not alone in hoping it might bring a change in fortune.

“It gives everyone a clean slate, that’s what’s so exciting,” said the openside. “You can already see some of the boys coming back feeling like they need to get their heads down and work again.

“Nothing’s given internationally-wise but all the young English players feel they start from the same place as someone else.”

For the chosen few, like Earl’s club captain Owen Farrell, the departure of Jones has been keenly felt.

“Eddie’s been a big part of my career,” the England skipper said. "He’s always been a brilliant coach for me. For that I’m massively thankful.”

But for players unable to break into England’s inner sanctum despite regularly impressing at club level, the Australian’s departure opens the door to fresh opportunity.

Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll said: “There are guys who have felt hard done-by, who have shown really good form yet been kept on the outside, for whom all of a sudden there’s a new lease of life.

“Ben is the obvious one, the guy that always spring to mind for me. He’s played some phenomenal stuff and must be incredibly frustrated.”

Earl, 24, admits to having had his moments. “The first time I got dropped I wasn’t buzzing,” he said. “But it’s something you learn with maturity.

“You learn that it doesn’t define you. That it’s not the only thing that matters. It’s about being with the club, being with your mates, trying to get better every day and achieve something together.”

These are not just words. Earl’s form operating in the international wilderness has been superb. He has kept his head down, shown great maturity to play and not moan.

“I am genuinely sorry to see Eddie go,” he added. “He was an amazing coach, he gave me my first cap. There’s no joy in seeing his time here end.

“It’s about how can I improve, how can I keep putting my hand up and put my name in the hat for selection come the Six Nations.”

An Earl try last weekend helped Saracens come from behind against Edinburgh and get their Champions Cup campaign off to a winning start.

Next up, on Saturday, is Lyon away for the three-time winners. Expect no let-up from the man with the clean slate.

Borthwick loss "really challenging" for Leicester

Brian O’Driscoll says the prospect of losing Borthwick to England midway through the season is a major headache for Leicester

Tigers entertain French giants Clermont in the Champions Cup on Saturday with Borthwick confirming he will take charge of the team come what may.

But with the Rugby Football Union believed to be close to agreeing a compensation deal Tigers are braced for life without the man who transformed them last season from chumps to Premiership champs.

“We’re at the time of the season where players are considering moves,” said BT Sport pundit O’Driscoll. “So losing Steve would be really challenging for them.

“A lot of the reason players will move across to a club like Leicester is the opportunity of winning medals, of learning every day, the quality of the coaching they’ll receive. That would be a real attraction for a lot of players.

“That looks like that is about to change and the uncertainty of who’s going to come in - will it be the same club, will it be run in a different way - completely throws the cat amongst the pigeons with regards to the next couple of years, not just next year.”

Initially it was thought Leicester could lose their entire coaching staff to England, but unconfirmed reports suggest Kevin Sinfield and Aled Waters could opt to stay at Welford Road.

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