Jamie George condemns report of rift with Steve Borthwick

A newspaper report said some England players had lost faith in Steve Borthwick during the summer campaign, which included a 45-21 defeat by South Africa and a nervy win over Argentina. Jamie George says the story hurt the squad and criticises its timing, with England due to face Japan on November 14 in the Nations Championship.

The hooker called the article “shocking” and said his team-mates remained behind their head coach. “We are all massively behind Steve in every way possible,” he said. George also said the squad was disappointed by the report and disputed its accuracy: “There’s not a huge amount of truth to any of it, really.”

The timing particularly angered him. George said that publishing such a story two days before a Test match was, in his view, an attempt to divide the team. He explained that the squad had been hurt, but would not allow the story to distract it from its aims. “We have made sure that we aren’t distracted by it, but also allowing us to be galvanised by it,” he said, adding that the players wanted to defend Borthwick.

George also said the issue had been discussed within the squad. He spoke to Maro Itoje the previous night and felt it was better not to leave the matter unaddressed. Itoje and George Ford spoke, he said, and the team now considers the issue settled. The players, he added, want to look after Borthwick and respond with a brilliant performance on Sunday.

The interview also covered Fin Baxter, who is set to start against Australia at loosehead prop. The Harlequins player has played only two games since returning from ten months out with a foot injury. George praised his qualities, describing him as physically impressive and highlighting his feel for the game. “As a loosehead prop, there aren’t many in the world that are able to do it in the way he does. He is a huge asset to our team,” he said.