On Friday, in my Voice Note Friday, I mentioned the article published in The Times about alleged unrest within the England Rugby camp and concerns about Steve Borthwick’s leadership. I said something I’ve believed for a long time: there’s usually no smoke without fire.
Since then, Jamie George has given a passionate defence of Borthwick, England have beaten Australia 45–22, and both Borthwick and Maro Itoje have addressed the allegations publicly.
You could be forgiven for thinking that’s the end of the matter.
I’m not entirely convinced.
Having spent more than twenty years working inside professional rugby, including dealing with journalists, players and coaches when stories like this emerged, there are a few things about the past few days that I find particularly interesting.
Inside The Dressing Room this week:
Why I doubt a journalist at The Times would simply invent a story of this nature.
How one or two unhappy individuals can create the impression of a divided dressing room.
Why Jamie George’s response may be entirely genuine without necessarily telling us everything.
What England’s victory over Australia actually tells us about the situation.
Why the most important question may be how concerns are raised and dealt with inside elite sport.
