TOM PALMER has not ruled out staying in France beyond the end of his current contract with Stade Francais, even though it could mean the end of his England career.
The Rugby Football Union plan to stop selecting overseas- based players after this year’s World Cup so as to maximise England’s chances of winning the trophy on home soil in 2015.
Palmer’s contract with Stade does not expire until the summer of next year and so he would not immediately be affected by the RFU’s directive.
But this time next year he will be having to decide on his future and a life in France clearly suits him, both personally and professionally.
Jonny Wilkinson found himself in the exact same situation and he committed his future to Toulon, indicating an acceptance that his England days will be over from the start of next year.
“I can understand the RFU’s point of view,” said Palmer.
“I can understand they have a lot more control over the English-based players than they do have over guys based in France because of the EPS agreement and they pay the clubs for the privilege of doing so.
“I enjoy being in France at the moment and it is the right place for me at the moment.
“I think I have improved as a player over the past few years, partly from being in France and partly from just maturing generally.
“I have got one more left on my contract so I am in France until July 2012. This time next year I will have to make a decision and that will depend on the circumstances at the time and what offers I get from England and France.
“If I had to choose now it would be a difficult decision.”
Palmer was a member of the England team beaten in Cardiff in 2009 but it was, coincidentally, in Paris last year where his international career was reignited.
The former Leeds and Wasps lock produced an eyecatching performance off the bench in England’s final game of the 2010 Six Nations and he has started all six Tests since.
England have not won at the Millennium Stadium since launching their Grand Slam campaign in 2003. They have not won the title since that year either.
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