Steve Borthwick denies unstable working surroundings in England set-up forward of autumn internationals | Rugby Union Information

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Steve Borthwick denies England have been disrupted by the upheaval to his
teaching crew forward of a strenuous autumn that opens in opposition to New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on November 2.

Felix Jones, who oversaw the defence, handed in his discover in August regardless of not having another job lined up, whereas departed head of power and conditioning Aled Walters has taken up the same position with Eire.

Each coaches have been seen as necessary figures in England’s quest to win the 2027 World Cup and their exit has pressured Borthwick to scramble to search out replacements.

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Borthwick says he is hopeful George Ford can be match for the conflict in opposition to New Zealand, regardless of lacking out on England’s squad for the autumn internationals as a consequence of harm

Joe El-Abd has taken over the defence whereas performing his director of rugby duties with Oyonnax till the tip of the season and Dan Tobin is answerable for conditioning till Phil Morrow may be prised away from Saracens.

Jones, who helped South Africa win the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, has been working remotely since telling England he needed to depart and he claimed to have made his determination due to an “unstable working environment” however Borthwick, talking concerning the modifications for the primary time, insists there may be continuity within the make-up of his backroom employees.

Chatting with Sky Sports activities, Borthwick mentioned: “I feel that the reflection is all the time part of our programme and I communicate to the coaches about that, I spoke to the gamers final week basically concerning the significance of us making certain we’re continually reflecting on what we do higher on the sector and off the sector.

“I am certain you’ve got chatted to lots of the gamers concerning the surroundings, it is one they’re excited to be in and it is one
they’re passionate about and if individuals determine that they do not essentially need to be on this surroundings going ahead – and a few individuals have made that call – that is OK, I want them rather well, not in opposition to us clearly, however I want them rather well for the long run after which I am delighted that Dan’s joined and Joe simply so dedicated to this England crew going ahead.

“Felix has decided he wants to go in a different direction which is perfectly fine and when he does finish with the England team, I wish him well with that.

“I feel that we have been in a position then to recruit Joe who’s actually excited to be a part of what we’re constructing right here and what we’re creating with this nice group of gamers and we have been capable of get him at moderately brief discover which has then meant he is main the defence and there isn’t any requirement for Felix in camp, it is so simple as that.”

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Borthwick, who named a 36-man squad for the autumn, continued: “Felix then takes on a role, Felix’s many strengths is his analysis of the opposition so that’s what we’ve asked Felix to do and help with the handover to Joe.

“I feel we have a spot the place you are seeing gamers enhance and also you’re seeing this England crew enhance and I feel that is evident for all to see, as I mentioned I sat right here in January speaking with your self about the place the crew was going to go, how we have been going to alter the crew, tactically we’ll change the crew, how personnel we’ll change and I feel you’ve got seen that on the grass and that is the place I intend extra development this autumn.”

Watch every game of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports. Additionally stream with NOW.

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