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England’s Henry Arundell knocks back interest from two NRL clubs – report

By Finn Morton
Henry Arundell of England celebrates scoring his team's first try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and Chile at Stade Pierre Mauroy on September 23, 2023 in Lille, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

England wing Henry Arundell has reportedly knocked back offers from two NRL clubs with the 21-year-old’s agent insisting that “reports of a possible move to rugby league are false.”

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Arundell was sensational in one pool play appearance for England at this year’s Rugby World Cup with the rising star finishing with a five-try blitz against Chile. The electric outside back carried that form back into clubland with the Englishman scoring a hat-trick on debut for Racing 92.

The try-scoring phenomenon has caught the attention of the rugby world with these headline-grabbing performances, and it seems the interest in the youngster goes even further than the 15-player game.

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Earlier this week, News Corp Australia revealed that parties close to Arundell had apparently reached out to rugby league clubs in the NRL to express an interest in a surprise code switch.

It was understood that multiple clubs were interested in acquiring the Racing 92 wing’s services, and that Arundell was keen on making the move – but that has taken a serious hit according to a more recent report.

Mail Sport believes that Arundell turned down interest from 2023 NRL wooden spooners the Wests Tigers and competition newcomers the Dolphins who are based in Queensland.

Arundell’s agent – Ryan Shahin from Twenty Sports Group – has confirmed that NRL clubs have expressed an interest in the wing, but unequivocally denied that Arundell has “entertained or considered” these offers.

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“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,” Ryan Shahin from Twenty Sports Group told The Daily Mail.

“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 is not the only rugby union talent to have received some interest from Australian-based rugby league clubs.

Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase and 19-year-old NSW Waratahs outside back Max Jorgensen were both mentioned amidst reports that the ARLC was considering salary cap exemptions for NRL clubs going after athletes from rival codes.

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Nawaqanitawase, who was a shining light for the Wallabies during an otherwise difficult year, has reportedly met with the Sydney Roosters.

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Jon 6 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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