In form Billy Searle sheds light on 'conversations' with England set-up

In-form Leicester Tigers fly-half Billy Searle has been told by England attack coach Lee Blackett that he is “in the mix” for a call-up.

The 30-year-old has been one of the best performers in the Gallagher PREM this season since arriving from Agen in the summer and was rewarded with an appearance for England A in February – a commanding start in a victory over an Ireland XV at Thomond Park.

While England entered the season with George Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith as the three main contenders for the England No.10 jersey, as well as Owen Farrell returning to England, Searle revealed on The Rugby Pod recently that it was “in the back of my mind” that he could break into the England squad when he arrived at Welford Road.

With every dominant display he has put in this season for Leicester, who sit in third place in the PREM, Searle has edged closer to an England call-up, and while nothing has materialised yet, a strong finale to the season could see him capped this July.

That seems to be the message Blackett delivered to Searle recently. With England rumoured to operate with two squads to counter the heavy travel load that will see them play South Africa in Johannesburg, Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero in consecutive weekends in July, the chances of a call-up have surely risen.

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Nations Championship

South Africa

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4 Jul 26

England

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“I think, if I’m being honest, it was in the back of my mind when I came back and I looked at the 10 situation in England,” Searle said. “You had the three guys in the squad and then behind that I felt like I could really push that and try and push the guys that were in the squad. That was me being honest when I was out there.

“But to do that, I knew I had to come back and get the number 10 shirt at Leicester first and then play well and lead this team.

“I have had conversations with Lee Blackett, who was in last week. We had a good chat and he was saying how well I’m doing, just some stuff about my game, but saying that I’m in the mix and they’re talking about me, which is great to hear.

“I don’t want to focus on that too much. I just want to keep playing how I am and hopefully, if it comes to the end of the season and I’m playing with this sort of form and I’m in the mix, then I’d love to get the opportunity at some point.

“All you want as a player is for it to be picked on form. I’m sure if I can keep going well, potentially that might come. But that sort of thing is out of my hands.

“That England A week was cool, just to be in a new environment with some great players and lead that team as a 10. I thought that week went really well. I was really happy personally and really happy with the win out there.

“That’s all you can do when you get opportunities — try and put your best foot forward and then wait. If that call does come to get a senior call-up, I’ll be itching to take it.”