Ian Ritchie confident in finding solution to Sam Underhill's selection

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie is confident in solving the uncertainty around the England selection of Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill.

On Tuesday, England coach Eddie Jones stated that he is keen on having the 19-year-old on board for the November Tests.

Earlier in the month, Underhill had turned down the suggestions on his Wales qualification on residency grounds and expressed his keenness to be part of the England squad.

As Underhill is currently playing in the Welsh region, the RFU need to invoke "exceptional circumstances" clause to their existing policy which doesn't allow overseas-based players to be selected.

However, Ritchie, who took over the RFU post in2011 assured that he will come up with some solution to help Underhill make his Test debut for England provided Jones wants him.

"The first thing to say is it's up to Eddie to pick the team, he picks the team and the squad," said Ritchie.

"So yes, if he wants to pick him in the next few months that's a call for Eddie, and then we'll look at those other matters later on. That's down the line, we'll deal with that then.

"He's a talented guy who wants to play for England and I'm sure we'll come up with a solution that will deal with the matter. But we'll see how it goes over the next few months."

Describing Underhil as an "exceptional talent", Ritchie said the dilemma over his selection will become irrelevant in the case of the open-side flanker being signed by an English Premiership club in the upcoming season.

"There's plenty of options, in the next few months there's various things," added Ritchie.

"Who knows who he's going to be playing for, what he's going to be doing, where he is. So we'll work on the assumption that let's see if Eddie picks him and wants to pick him.

"We know what the situation is regarding the rules, there's nothing different in that, but let's see how it transpires over the next few months.

"I'm sure we'll get him involved playing for England and we'll look forward to that. He's an exciting talent."

Earlier, Underhill revealed that he wants to see out his three-year deal with Ospreys as it coincides with his economics studies at the Cardiff University and has no immediate plans to play for Wales.

"As the boys constantly ribbing me for it in training would testify, I am definitely English," Underhill told the Sunday Times.

"Apart from this season, I have only ever played rugby in England.

"Without being in any way arrogant or ahead of myself, my ambition is to play for England. It's an emotional link. You grow up as kids, see guys wearing the rose and think that's what you want to do when you are older.

"Qualifying for Wales has not crossed my mind."