Former England back Ugo Monye has ripped into Ben Te’o for moving to French side Toulon. New Zealand-born star Te’o switched from league to union in 2014, ending his short spell at South Sydney, and he made his international debut for England two years later in a clash against South Africa at Twickenham on November 12.
The 32-year-old was also part of the 2017 British and Irish Lions side and he was in contention to make the Red Rose’s squad for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, which runs from September 20 – November 2.
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However, the centre, who was involved in an off-field altercation at an England camp earlier in August, was left out of Eddie Jones’ plans and Te’o has since signed a short-term deal with French Top 14 side Toulon, meaning he can’t be called up as an injury replacement for the WC.
Monye, who played for England from 2008-2012, has slammed Te’o for effectively ending his international career, saying the whole situation “stinks”. “I’m disappointed,” he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “I think it is borderline disrespectful. For me, playing for your country is the pinnacle.
It is something that millions of people dream of doing and only a few get a chance to do so. “You can’t come and swear allegiance to the country and then the moment things get a bit bumpy, catch the next flight to the south of France. It doesn’t sit well with me at all.”
