Sam Underhill unavailable for England's autumn internationals
Sam Underhill training with his team, Ospreys
©Press Association
Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill has been deemed ineligible to represent England in the autumn internationals after the Rugby Football Union decided to stick with their selection policy of overseas players.
Earlier, England coach Eddie Jones had expressed his desire to have the 20-year-old for the November Tests for which the Rugby Football Union had to invoke "exceptional circumstances" clause to their existing policy as Underhill is currently playing in the Welsh region.
However, the new 'Professional Game Agreement' which was signed between the RFU and the Premiership Rugby Limited on Monday has put an end to Underhill's hope of playing for England.
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said they will continue sticking with their existing selection policy after consulting with Jones.
"We discussed it again with Eddie and we agreed with the exceptional circumstances clause and left it where it is," said Ritchie.
"Everybody is clear what it means and Eddie is very good at communicating that to players. We think it is a good clause and the right clause. That is the situation that we will sustain during the agreement."
Meanwhile, PRL chief executive Mark McCafferty revealed that the 'exceptional circumstances' clause was given a clear definition during the agreement .
"It has never really come under pressure, although I know it has been speculated about with one or two players.
"But if the system is working well and there is enough choice, then it doesn't come under pressure.
"We have clarified it only in the sense of writing what we had in mind eight years ago - if you get big injuries ahead of playing a tier one country.
"Maybe the next player in line is inexperienced, almost to the point of there being a safety issue.
"In those circumstances that would definitely be exceptional and you might have to look elsewhere."
