This story has moved on: England beat Australia in emphatic Nations Championship display

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 8 Nov, 19:56 · Archive

England head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje have rejected newspaper claims of a squad rift following a 45-22 victory over Australia.

England head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje have rejected claims in a newspaper article of a squad rift, saying it does not represent the environment they recognise. The Times reported this week that some England players lost faith in Borthwick during a summer campaign that included a 45-21 defeat to world champions South Africa, and alleged that players objected to his treatment of them and wanted to raise their concerns with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

The article also alleged a training ground bust-up between Borthwick and Ellis Genge. Vice-captain Jamie George said on Friday that England's players were 'hurt' by the report, calling the timing 'shocking', and suggested that 'a lot' of what was said was 'untrue'.

On Sunday, following England's 45-22 Nations Championship victory over Australia at Twickenham, Borthwick addressed the article for the first time. He said: 'It's not an environment I recognise. It's not an accurate reflection.' Borthwick revealed that several of his predecessors as England head coach had contacted him in recent days, offering support and urging him to focus on rugby.

Itoje interjected during the post-match press conference to offer his backing. 'I think, particularly from a player's point of view, we have full support in Steve,' he said. 'I've had the privilege of Steve being my coach from 2016, with a little gap in his Leicester years, and that's not the man I recognise.' Itoje described Borthwick as 'world-class'.

The RFU's chief executive Bill Sweeney backed Borthwick earlier in the week. England's emphatic victory over Australia, with seven tries, was their biggest-ever winning margin over the Wallabies.

How it is being reported

• 'We have full support in Steve' - Itoje gives a passionate defence of BorthwickMaro Itoje gives a passionate defence of Steve Borthwick after England's defeat of Australia at Twickenham.Sky Sports · 8 Nov, 19:34
• Steve Borthwick reveals messages of support from previous England incumbentsBorthwick’s players delivered an emphatic rebuttal to a report stating he presided over a toxic environment during the July tour.Independent Sport · 8 Nov, 19:24
• Maro Itoje voices 'full support' for Steve Borthwick after England criticism: 'We're lucky to have him'England captain insists reports of dressing room unrest are wide of the mark after Australia routEvening Standard · 8 Nov, 19:07
• Borthwick and Itoje reject reports of England squad rift - 'Not accurate'England head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje have rejected claims made in a newspaper article this week of a squad rift, saying it "does not represent the environment" they recognise.Sky Sports · 8 Nov, 17:34

In this story: Steve Borthwick · Maro Itoje · England · Australia · The Times · Bill Sweeney · Jamie George · Ellis Genge

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