England's senior players have publicly backed head coach Steve Borthwick after a newspaper article alleged unrest in the squad during the summer tour to Argentina. Jamie George, who captained the tour, said the accusations have galvanised the group and that the players are ready to show their support on the pitch.
Players reject toxic environment claims
Borthwick, England's head coach for the past four years, rejected the claims that players sought clear-the-air talks in protest about a toxic environment. The article also alleged he was involved in a training ground bust-up with prop Ellis Genge and that players wanted Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney to hear their grievances. A meeting did take place, but it was held virtually after the tour.
Borthwick said: "I don't recognise it as being an accurate reflection of the environment. I don't recognise it as being an accurate reflection of relationships between me and the players, between the coaches and players."
George and Itoje speak out
George, who was captain for the July tour, said: "This is galvanising, 100 per cent. We are incredibly tight and when someone comes at one of our own, we are going to fight to protect them." He added: "I'm incredibly disappointed by this. There's a lot of it that's untrue. It's clearly trying to create a divide within the group. Unlucky."
Maro Itoje, who was rested for the summer tour but will lead England into Sunday's match against Australia, said: "I'm little bit shocked because it's not what I recognise. The framing of it I think is wrong and I don't think is correct. I can wholeheartedly say Steve has not lost the faith of us players. We back him 100 per cent alongside all the other coaches."
Itoje and his lieutenants George, Genge and George Ford called a team meeting at the squad's Surrey training base on Thursday to discuss the claims. Ollie Chessum, regarded as a future England captain, also backed Borthwick, saying: "There is a real intention to divide a team here but I'll tell you now it's going to have the adverse effect on Sunday afternoon."
Wales release Beard for club duty
Adam Beard has been released from the Wales squad and will start for club side Montpellier against Lyon. Beard was not named in the 23 to face Japan at the Principality Stadium. Wales released Josh Adams last week to get minutes for Cardiff, with the same tactic likely for Beard. Steve Tandy has selected Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter as his second row options, with Teddy Williams among the replacements.
Lake confident ahead of Japan clash
Wales captain Dewi Lake said the squad has learned from a difficult summer campaign and is ready for the autumn block featuring matches against Japan, New Zealand and Australia. "Personally, for me, this is the best start to a campaign we've had in a long time," Lake said. "We were disappointed with the summer, but if anything, that's probably worked in our favour."
Wales back-rower Aaron Wainwright described training as "tasty" with fierce competition for places. "Training's been really sharp - with a little bit of heat surrounding the sessions, which is good," Wainwright said. "If you make a mistake or you're not on your game, someone's going to be chomping at your heels to come and take your jersey off you."
