Palmer ponders long-term future in France

Tom Palmer has hinted he might extend his career in France beyond his current contract, even though it could jeopardise his England prospects.

The Rugby Football Union plans to stop selecting overseas-based players after this year's World Cup so it can have more control ahead of the 2015 event.

"If I had to choose now it would be difficult," said the 31-year-old Stade Francais lock.

"Next year, the World Cup will have been so that may make a difference."

Palmer, who began his career at Leeds, moved to France in 2009 after three years with Wasps.

His contract with Stade Francais does not expire until the summer of 2012, so he will not immediately be affected by the RFU's directive.

But after that he would find himself in the same situation as Jonny Wilkinson, who has risked his England career by committing his future to Toulon.

"I enjoy being in France and it is the right place for me at the moment," Palmer explained.

"I think I have improved as a player over the last few years, partly from being in France and partly from just maturing generally.

"James Haskell has been playing some fantastic rugby recently for us at Stade Francais and he has definitely improved as a player by playing over there.

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."

In the meantime Palmer is focused on the Six Nations - England begin their campaign against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

They have not won there since 2003 - the last year they won the tournament - and were beaten 23-15 on their most recent visit, in 2009.

"Two years ago we didn't start very well and Wales blew us away," Palmer reflected.

"We are a much better team now than was there two years ago and four years ago. We are playing better rugby, we have a better mix and we have a game plan which suits us and we all enjoy playing to." BBC