Flutey’s long road to redemption

WHEN Gordon D’Arcy eyes up his opposite number ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Six Nations clash between England and Ireland at Twickenham, he will see a man born and raised in New Zealand, shaped in England and polished in France.

The next question on everyone’s lips is whether Riki Flutey will be heading to Munster, but before his future is resolved the centre is fully focused on keeping England’s hopes of a Grand Slam alive.

Some say that it is a damning indictment on the state of English rugby that they have been forced to turn to a Maori from Wairarapa, on New Zealand’s North Island, to shape their midfield. Others, with Martin Johnson chief amongst them, argue that England cannot afford to ignore a talent of Flutey’s stature.