England’s diverse World Cup squad can change perception of rugby union in UK | Ugo Monye


More than a third of the squad are from BAME backgrounds – I’m incredibly proud that it is a reflection of modern society

Whenever a World Cup squad is announced it elicits a lot of emotions. Joy, for those that have been picked, anger for those that haven’t, excitement for those of us eagerly anticipating the start of the competition and perhaps a little bit of worry too at the risks Eddie Jones has taken. But personally, the overriding emotion I feel at the moment is pride. I’m incredibly proud that these 31 players get to represent our country as the most diverse England World Cup squad ever selected.

More than a third of the players in the squad are from BAME backgrounds, there are so many different cultures but all united by the same purpose of representing England. It is a true reflection of modern society and what pleases me most is how it has come about naturally. There has not been any box-ticking or anything like that, this is Eddie’s best 31 on merit.

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