Toby Flood thinking of giving up England ambitions and moving to France.

Toby Flood, the England and Leicester fly-half, has refused to rule out moving overseas next season, which would almost certainly put him out of consideration for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Flood, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has been linked with Toulon to follow in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson, his former Newcastle team-mate.

Talks are under way on a variety of fronts, and the only element Flood, who has been at Leicester for 5½ years, was able to confirm on Tuesday was that he would not join another club in England. Leicester have asked for a decision within four weeks.

“I would never leave Leicester for another English club but I know I have to make up my mind as it affects other people and their livelihoods. I have spoken to Stuart [Lancaster] and tried to be as open and honest as I can be. But, no, I haven’t been on the phone yet to Jonny. I imagine a move [overseas] would probably rule me out of England. For me, it is no longer about whether a move might further my career. It is about where I feel comfortable, about who I enjoy hanging out with and where I’m living.

"Lifestyle is important. Of course a home World Cup will be amazing but maybe if you flipped memories from the 2007 and 2011 World Cups [marred by England scandal] then I wouldn’t have the same bitter taste. I realise that Stuart can make no guarantees. There is no perfect decision here, no right or wrong. If I stay, then I injure my knee a month before the World Cup, well, that shows there is no ideal scenario. It will be based on my gut instinct. When I signed for Leicester, I came down by train from Newcastle and there was the contract in front of me. It was a no-brainer.”

Scrumpy wrote:I don't know why people respond to this joker, it's very clear he has another agenda.
 

maestegmafia wrote:

lostinwales wrote:There was another thread recently where MM repeatedly asked an english poster why he was posting on a welsh thread.

I think the irony goes flying way way above his head

Makes me wonder how many user ids that poster is now using.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Flood is confirmed as leaving Leicester and has said he wouldn't leave for another English side. Rumours are that it'll be Tolouse who desperately need a creative 10 and who have a selection of electric backs for him to utilise.

Leaves Lancaster in an awkward position. If Farrell gets injured then there are no flyhalfs with more than five caps available to him unless one of Goode, Hodgson or Wilkinson come out of retirement. He has just lost a 60 cap well rounded flyhalf who gives his team an attacking dimension his starter doesn't. Will Lancaster now regret not giving Flood game time and trying to convince him to stay or will he regret not giving Burns or Ford game time in meaningful matches so they are capable of challenging Farrell?

Hood83 wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Flood is confirmed as leaving Leicester and has said he wouldn't leave for another English side. Rumours are that it'll be Tolouse who desperately need a creative 10 and who have a selection of electric backs for him to utilise.

Leaves Lancaster in an awkward position. If Farrell gets injured then there are no flyhalfs with more than five caps available to him unless one of Goode, Hodgson or Wilkinson come out of retirement. He has just lost a 60 cap well rounded flyhalf who gives his team an attacking dimension his starter doesn't. Will Lancaster now regret not giving Flood game time and trying to convince him to stay or will he regret not giving Burns or Ford game time in meaningful matches so they are capable of challenging Farrell?

If SL doesn't regret effectively shunting Flood out then he's a fool. Our best fly-half, in my opinion, by some way, and the only real experience in that position. Should have been first choice with Farrell and Burns being brought through slowly.

doctor_grey wrote:Is Twelvetrees the potential backup to Farrell?  Since none of the other pretenders really get my juices flowing, why not put Billy in there and give him a run?  

bedfordwelsh wrote:Sam,

Out of those I am guessing S Armitage is biggest loss to you guys at the moment?  

lostinwales wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Sam,

Out of those I am guessing S Armitage is biggest loss to you guys at the moment?  

Not really. Good player though he is and yes he didnt get much of a chance when he did get his caps- but he wouldnt displace Robshaw

yappysnap wrote:Does Narraway play anymore?

formerly known as Sam wrote:Piestland is rumoured to be in line for. Wales central contract and I have heard rumours Tigers aren't keen on the release cause he wants in his contract.

Likely to be Burns but could be Wieniski or however you spell it. Colin Slade was also linked but those rumours seem to have died.