Been a great discussion so far, have to agree with what a lot of members have already stated about selection process..
100% that players who have topped rankings for their country gets first pick, if the player wants to decline the invitation and concentrate on POTY then it"s their choice..
As Steve pointed out Asa, Tony and myself where rewarded with a slot because of just this fact.
Like the idea that the country who wins can choose to enter a separate squad and invite the reigning champions to return and defend their title. I realise that England and Scotland can probably field 2 teams if this was allowed due to player pool, but if say Italy, Ireland won they would probably field the same team that one previously anyways.
Also just for a idea, like the thought of having gold stars on shirts of nations who have won, a little like world cup shirts
As DuffyI mentioned we chatted to Tom in Prague, and he was telling us about how they invite the reigning champs back in a season tourney in the LPPL, and that seems to work just fine.