Steve Borthwick hands Henry Arundell England recall ahead of Bath move after sacrificing international career to join Racing 92
The 22-year-old emerged as English rugby's next big thing in 2022, when he scored a staggering 100m solo try for London Irish at Toulon, before being fast-tracked into the senior national squad, having illuminated the Under-20 side with his prolific exploits.
Arundell made his debut for England against Australia in Perth and stunned the Wallabies by striking with his first touch as an international player, with a combination of power, footwork and pace.
The flying wing sensation went on to feature at the 2023 World Cup and claim a record-equalling five tries in the pool-stage win over Chile in Lille. However, by then he had agreed to join Racing 92 in Paris – following the financial collapse of Irish – and after the global showpiece he became unavailable to Borthwick, the England head coach, due to the RFU policy against picking players based overseas.
His enforced move across the Channel began brightly with a hat-trick on debut for Racing, but he struggled for form and fitness for the majority of a difficult campaign, before agreeing an early release from his contract, in order to join Bath. That has opened the door for his inclusion in the Red Rose training squad preparing for a non-cap match against a France XV at Twickenham on June 21, followed by summer Tests against Argentina and the USA.
The involvement with England will allow Arundell to make an early connection with Bath's visionary attack coach, Lee Blackett – who will be assisting Borthwick on the forthcoming tour of the Americas. That arrangement alone is bound to be a boost for a player who remains an exciting young prospect, providing he can regain confidence and sharpness in a positive environment. By the time he joins up with Bath, they could have completed a Treble by winning the Premiership.
In the aftermath of his decision to move to the French capital, Arundell's mantel as English rugby's next big thing was seized by Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who burst on to the Test scene in dazzling fashion last year. Now, Borthwick has both men at his disposal, along with other rookie contenders Ollie Sleightholme, Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley.
Despite having lost a raft of key men to Lions call-ups, this means England should have significant firepower and potency as they gear up to face the dangerous Pumas in La Plata and San Juan, and the USA in Washington DC. Arundell's ability to operate at full back will also be a factor in his favour, as the head coach weighs up his options before naming a tour squad on June 23.
Regaining the services of an exciting talent who had migrated to France is good news for Borthwick and he will hope that others follow. England's management team would relish a chance to promote Racing lock Junior Kpoku to their senior squad as and when he returns to the Premiership, while Stade Francais centre Joe Marchant would be another exile on the wanted list.
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Daily Mail
32 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Antoine Semenyo breaks silence after he was allegedly racially abused against Liverpool - as he responds to ANOTHER vile racist comment from sick troll
Bournemouth 's Antoine Semenyo has spoken out for the first time since he was allegedly racially abused while taking on Liverpool at Anfield. The Premier League got off to a thrilling start as the Reds overcame the defiant Cherries to win 4-2 on Friday evening. But what was a thoroughly entertaining game was arguably overshadowed by the shocking incident reported by Semenyo in the 28th minute. As the talented Ghanian international was preparing to take a throw-in, he appeared to be heckled by a Liverpool fan on the sidelines. After Semenyo brought the alleged abuse to the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, the match was temporarily paused with the score level at 0-0. The supporter, who it has been alleged was sitting in a wheelchair on the bottom row of Anfield's Main Stand, was escorted out of the stadium. During the stoppage, Semenyo's team-mates and opponents were seen rallying around him as he decided whether to continue playing. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo in particular was spotted comforting the 25-year-old. Semenyo has now spoken out for the first time on his social media since the shocking incident. Responding to a vile racist comment left on his Instagram account, the footballer posted to his Stories: 'When will it stop...' Despite being the subject of the alleged abuse, the talented winger was at the top of his game on the opening day of the season. After Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put the host's 2-0 up, the game seemed dead and buried. But Semenyo fired back with a brace, including an incredible solo goal fired past Allison in the Liverpool goal. It wasn't enough for Andoni Iraola's side however, as late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah secured Arne Slot's side all three points on the opening day of the season. During the match, the Premier League released an official statement condemning the alleged abuse received by Semenyo. It came after an anti-discriminatory message was read out at Anfield. 'Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol,' the league's statement read. 'The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. 'We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.' At half-time, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also expressed disdain towards the incident. Neville said: 'It overshadows what should be an amazing night, first game of the Premier League season. 'That boy [Semenyo] has basically been racially abused and had to complain about it. It's despicable. I can't even think what would be going through someone's mind [to say that]. Carragher added: 'The amount of campaigns we have, kick racism out, all over the world, it's shocking to see an incident like that. 'A shocking incident and rightly reported to the referee.' Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also spoke out at full-time After the final whistle, Neville said: 'There needs to be strong consequences. It's what the game does. We see lots of statements, but the key thing is, what's changing?' Slot commended the attending fans for paying respects to the late Diogo Jota, and admitted that it was disappointing such an incident takes the shine off a memorable night. The Dutchman said: 'We don't want this in football, we don't want this in a stadium, but especially not in Anfield. 'It's unacceptable that something like this happens in a stadium, especially at Anfield. It takes the shine off - our fans were unbelievable with their tributes for Diogo. 'I didn't hear it but it should definitely not happen in a stadium.' In the other dugout, Iraola said: 'Antoine, the referee, everyone explained the situation. The person has been identified. 'It was a great game of football, everyone watching, and now we have to be talking about these things. We should have been past this stage but people don't behave correctly. Every step that you collectively do forward, with this it loses a lot of power. 'He did what he had to do. He said straight away, the referee explained the situation, I don't think he lost his mind, but in the next minutes he was probably thinking. It was a big shame we have to be talking about these things. 'The Liverpool managers, the players, they feel it. Even if it's a Liverpool supporter, they don't want them with them. Everyone understands these things have to be out from everywhere, especially from football.' In his post-match interview, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said: 'Totally unacceptable, shocked that it happened in this day and age. 'It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant has played on and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. I just feel sorry for Ant. He's a little bit down and to carry on playing, something needs to be done. Taking a knee is having no effect. We'll support him and hopefully he'll be okay. 'I wanted him to react, because that's what I would have done. I would have gone straight over there, but it shows what type of man he is, to not react in the moment and to carry on. Coming up with those two goals shows the type of guy he is. 'I felt angry. Shocked. I said to the referee, I wanted him removed immediately, but they had to go through a process and the police will sort it. 'The Liverpool players were very supportive towards Antoine and the rest of the team. it was handled in the right way, but so angry. 'We've had discussions with the Premier League about it, so they are taking it seriously. I don't know what else we can do! We've been doing it for a long time now and no one is getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. 'I just feel sorry for Ant, that he's had to take that tonight. The whole country is watching and for that to happen is shocking.' Liverpool also released a club statement during the game to condemn the moment, and revealed a police investigation is ongoing.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Police investigate after Bournemouth footballer reports racist abuse at Anfield
Police are investigating after a man was ejected from Anfield Stadium after reports of a Bournemouth player being racially abused during the first Premier League game of the season against Liverpool. Visiting forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator, and match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute. He spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before the two captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dug-outs. An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time. Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground, and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed. Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, said: 'Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form. 'We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible.' He added: 'There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening. 'As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public, and the players.' A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club, said: 'Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth. 'We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football. 'The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.' After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2. Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: 'It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. 'Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK. 'I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he is…to come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is. 'To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but…so angry. 'I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant … shocking.' The Premier League said in a statement: 'Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. 'This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. 'The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. 'Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.' The incident comes two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel received racist abuse online after missing a penalty in his side's UEFA Super Cup win against Paris St Germain. The Football Association said it was 'concerned' about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure 'appropriate action' would be taken. It said in a statement: 'We are very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd, which was reported to the match officials during the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Bournemouth. 'Incidents of this nature have no place in our game and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Football condemns racist abuse aimed at Antoine Semenyo: Angry Bournemouth captain speaks out, manager reveals star was asked if he wanted to play on - and Reds release statement as player breaks silence
Bournemouth 's fuming captain has revealed how Antoine Semenyo was hurt by the alleged racist abuse made towards him by a Liverpool fan on Friday night. The football world has come out to condemn the incident, which saw a fan in a wheelchair thrown of Anfield by police after appearing to heckle him while he prepared to take a throw. Despite the first-half incident, Semenyo scored twice in a breathtaking encounter as Liverpool won 4-2 and paid tribute to their late forward Diogo Jota. Semenyo has since broken his silence on Instagram, asking 'when will it stop' after a fan posted monkey emojis under one of his photographs, and his captain Adam Smith has livid after the game. Smith told Sky Sports: 'Totally unacceptable, shocked that it happened in this day and age. 'It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant has played on and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. I just feel sorry for Ant. He's a little bit down and to carry on playing, something needs to be done. Taking a knee is having no effect. We'll support him and hopefully he'll be okay. 'I wanted him to react, because that's what I would have done. I would have gone straight over there, but it shows what type of man he is, to not react in the moment and to carry on. Coming up with those two goals shows the type of guy he is. 'I felt angry. Shocked. I said to the referee, I wanted him removed immediately, but they had to go through a process and the police will sort it. 'The Liverpool players were very supportive towards Antoine and the rest of the team. it was handled in the right way, but so angry. 'We've had discussions with the Premier League about it, so they are taking it seriously. I don't know what else we can do! We've been doing it for a long time now and no one is getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. 'I just feel sorry for Ant, that he's had to take that tonight. The whole country is watching and for that to happen is shocking.' The incident occurred just 28 minutes into the new season, when Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in before he appeared to be heckled by a Liverpool fan. The 25-year-old forward brought the incident to the attention of referee Anthony Taylor, and the match was promptly paused temporarily. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was seen in discussion with officials and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, before play resumed in the 31st minute. Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field… — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 15, 2025 It has been alleged that the person who directed the abuse at Semenyo was a Liverpool fan sitting in a wheelchair in the bottom row of Anfield's Main Stand. At half-time, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also expressed disdain towards the incident. Neville said: 'It overshadows what should be an amazing night, first game of the Premier League season. 'That boy [Semenyo] has basically been racially abused and had to complain about it. It's despicable. I can't even think what would be going through someone's mind [to say that]. Carragher added: 'The amount of campaign we have, kick racism out, all over the world, it's shocking to see an incident like that. 'A shocking incident and rightly reported to the referee.' After the final whistle, Neville said: 'There need to be strong consequences. It's what the game does. We see lots of statements, but there key thing is, what's changing?' Slot commended the attending fans for paying respects to the late Diogo Jota, and admitted that it was disappointing such an incident takes the shine off a memorable night. The Dutchman said: 'We don't want this in football, we don't want this in a stadium, but especially not in Anfield. 'It's unacceptable that something like this happens in a stadium, especially at Anfield. It takes the shine off - our fans were unbelievable with their tributes for Diogo. 'I didn't hear it but it should definitely not happen in a stadium.' In the other dugout, Iraola said: 'Antoine, the referee, everyone explained the situation. The person has been identified. 'It was a great game of football, everyone watching, and now we have to be talking about these things. We should have been past this stage but people don't behave correctly. Every step that you collectively do forward, with this it loses a lot of power. 'He did what he had to do. He said straight away, the referee explained the situation, I don't think he lost his mind, but in the next minutes he was probably thinking. It was a big shame we have to be talking about these things. 'The Liverpool managers, the players, they feel it. Even if it's a Liverpool supporter, they don't want them with them. Everyone understands these things have to be out from everywhere, especially from football.' During the game, Daily Mail Sport's Football Editor, Ian Ladyman, reported from the crowd: 'Two or three minutes before the stoppage I did see Semenyo turn to look at a guy seated in a wheelchair at the front of the Main Stand who was saying something to him quite forcibly. Football fans quickly took to social media to share their contempt towards the incident 'The look on the Bournemouth player's face said all you needed to know.' The Premier League released on official statement during the game, taking to their Match Centre account on X. It read: 'Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. 'The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. 'We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.' Liverpool also released a club statement during the game to condemn the moment, and revealed a police investigation is ongoing.
