England drop Toulouse-bound Toby Flood for Six Nations

Toby Flood’s decision to pursue a club career in France effectively cost him his England place when he was left out of coach Stuart Lancaster’s 35-man-squad for the 2014 Six Nations on Thursday.

Leicester flyhalf Flood, a veteran of 60 tests, is set to join French giants Toulouse at the end of this season.

That has led Lancaster, holding to his line not to select overseas-based players, to bring in uncapped Bath stand-off George Ford in addition to current first-choice No 10 Owen Farrell ahead of the 2015 World Cup in England.

“I have met Toby Flood several times and told him I really wanted him to stay at Leicester and play for England,” said Lancaster in a Rugby Football Union (RFU) statement.

“He has made a lifestyle choice and we respect that but given the RFU’s policy of not selecting players based overseas save for exceptional circumstances it was important that we allow others such as George Ford to progress.”

“I am delighted for George who is rewarded for his form for Bath.”