Category: England Rugby

Before England’s All Blacks clash, the prop faces the sport’s problems and describes his passion for community work

There are refreshingly forthright rugby players and then, several laps out in front, there is Ellis Genge. How, for example, does England’s returning vice-captain rate the current financial stability of the professional club game beneath the national team? “I think it’s shit or bust, to be honest,” he replies, bluntly. “It’s either going to go one way or another … something’s got to give.”

Strong words from our man at the sharp end ahead of a big autumn for the sport. And what about the untimely calf injury that led to him missing England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand? “I’ve never had a calf issue in my life. It was 28 minutes into the last game of the season in May, in a scrum. That shouldn’t happen.” He believes the blame lies with those forcing top players to plough ever onwards for club and country with minimal rest. “Boys getting run into the ground is no good. Is there a silver bullet that’s going to sort it all out? Probably not. I’ve always said we’re a guinea pig era.”

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• Forward will pass Johnson’s 84 caps in All Blacks Test
• Itoje warns there is too much pressure on players to play

Maro Itoje has admitted he is still striving to emulate Martin Johnson’s level of success in an England jersey as he prepares to go past the World Cup‑winning captain on the list of national caps holders on Saturday.

Itoje is tied with Johnson on 84 caps on England’s all-time list but will join Lawrence Dallaglio and Rory Underwood in 13th place when he faces the All Blacks at Twickenham.

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• Coles, Hill and Ford replace Chessum, Ewels and Roebuck
• Steve Borthwick forced to review lineout options

England’s preparations have been disrupted by a flurry of late withdrawals before Saturday’s opening Test of the Autumn Nations Series against New Zealand. Ollie Chessum, Charlie Ewels and Tom Roebuck have all been released from the 36-man squad, with Alex Coles, Ted Hill and George Ford called up to replace them.

Chessum had been poised to start, potentially on the blindside flank, before the Leicester forward sustained a knee injury towards the end of England’s training camp in Spain. The player is awaiting further specialist assessment but there are fears he could miss all four November Tests.

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• Lock’s availability for autumn internationals unclear
• Chessum waiting on scan results for knee problem

Ollie Chessum has emerged as a major injury doubt for England, who begin their autumn internationals against New Zealand on Saturday, after sustaining a knee injury during last week’s training camp in Girona.

The 24-year-old missed out on the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand due to a shoulder injury but has been in impressive form for Leicester this season. He started every match of the Six Nations earlier this year and he is valued highly by Steve Borthwick, who has deployed him at second row and blindside flanker during his tenure. All the more so given Courtney Lawes’ retirement from international duty.

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• Enhanced contracts have been signed by 17 players
• Players’ group Team England Rugby brokers new deals

England players including the captain Jamie George have voiced “extensive concerns” about their workload to the Rugby Football Union and raised player welfare issues facing international stars before agreeing their new contracts.

George has also insisted that the introduction of player welfare protocols specific to England players “needs to be explored” as part of the new deal which has seen the RFU award enhanced contracts worth £160,000 each to 17 players.

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