Photo via BBC Sport

Marchant set on England comeback after Sale arrival

Joe Marchant is targeting a recall to international rugby following his transfer to Sale Sharks, ending a three-year spell in Paris with Stade Francais. The 30-year-old outside centre earned the last of his 26 England caps during the bronze-medal victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having featured as Steve Borthwick's primary midfield starter throughout the competition apart from the group fixture against Chile.

His previous switch to France had initially been prompted when former national coach Eddie Jones dropped him ahead of the 2022 autumn series, though Jones was dismissed merely weeks afterward.

Now readjusting to domestic rugby alongside new club colleague Courtney Lawes, Marchant has been informed by Borthwick that strong performances in the Premiership are required to regain a Test berth. The former Harlequins back credits his time tackling the physical demands of the Top 14 with sharpening his communication and on-pitch authority, and he remains determined to ensure his World Cup appearances do not mark the conclusion of his England journey.