By Ahmed Abdelsalam
England’s senior rugby players have publicly backed head coach Steve Borthwick after a newspaper report alleged unrest within the squad during the summer tour of Argentina.
Players rally around head coach
Vice-captain Jamie George said the team is “galvanised” and fully behind Borthwick, describing him as “one of our own.” George, who captained the side in July, insisted the mood in camp was largely positive and dismissed claims of a toxic environment as untrue.
Borthwick rejects allegations
Borthwick, in charge for four years, said he does not recognise the portrayal of his management style or relationships with players. The article had claimed players sought clear-the-air talks with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney after a reported training-ground clash with prop Ellis Genge. A virtual meeting was held after the tour.
George and Itoje voice support
Restored captain Maro Itoje said he was “shocked” by the framing of the story and affirmed the playing group backs Borthwick “100 per cent.” Fellow forward Ollie Chessum added that the squad-management relationship is strong and predicted the controversy would have an adverse effect on the opposition.
Team changes for Australia test
England open the second phase of the Nations Championship against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. Borthwick has made four changes to the starting XV, with George Furbank, Fin Smith, Itoje and Ben Curry coming in.
