England hooker Jamie George has rejected a report alleging a rift between head coach Steve Borthwick and his players, saying the squad are "really upset" by the claims. The report was published two days before England are due to face Australia at Twickenham on Sunday.
The Times has reported that during England's tour of Argentina, players wanted crisis talks with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney after objecting to Borthwick's style of management. The report also claims Borthwick was involved in a training-ground bust-up with Ellis Genge and that there are disagreements among his coaching staff.
George dismisses report as divisive
George, who Borthwick replaced as captain in 2025, insists the report will only "galvanise" the team. "I can tell you that a lot of it's untrue," the hooker told BBC Sport. "We, as a squad, are incredibly disappointed by it."
"You just have to look at the timing of the article - two days out from our first Test match. I think it's clearly there to try and be divisive," George added. "It is the first time I think in my England career that as a group we've had to address an article that's been written, but we spoke about it brilliantly. Maro [Itoje] called a leader's meeting and thought that that was the best way of us going about it."
Borthwick's management under scrutiny
Borthwick has previously faced criticism over his man-management skills from Ben Youngs, England's most-capped player, who won the Premiership under the 47-year-old at Leicester. Youngs said last year that Borthwick failed to give him emotional support when his family were affected by serious illnesses.
The article also addressed England's coaching staff, which has frequently changed during Borthwick's four-year tenure. Defence coach Felix Jones, who helped South Africa to back-to-back World Cups, only lasted seven months in the England setup, with the report claiming an 'unstable working environment' prompted his departure.
Players rally behind Borthwick
George defended the squad's relationship with Borthwick, saying: "As senior players part of our job is to challenge Steve. Steve is so open to us giving feedback and having challenge. It is very much a two-way conversation and that was definitely there in Argentina."
England began their Nations Championship campaign with a 45-21 loss away to South Africa before thrashing Fiji 73-8. Borthwick's side then secured a nervy 31-24 victory over Argentina, benefiting from a late disallowed try. Sweeney has already thrown his support behind Borthwick, as England prepare for three home matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in the inaugural Nations Championship before finals weekend later this month.
