England players back Borthwick and reject toxic-camp reports

England’s senior players publicly backed head coach Steve Borthwick on Friday and rejected reports that the squad had faced a toxic environment, while acknowledging that a virtual meeting to discuss the team’s environment took place after the summer tour. Jamie George, who captained England during the tour, said the meeting focused on improving the environment and disputed the description of it as toxic. He and returning captain Maro Itoje also spoke in support of Borthwick ahead of England’s Nations Championship match against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday, November 8. Reports describing player grievances and a training-ground clash between Borthwick and prop Ellis Genge were based on an article whose underlying evidence was not detailed in the accounts. Borthwick said he did not recognise its portrayal of the environment or of relationships between him, the players and the coaches. He declined to respond further to the allegations. George said the reports had prompted a rallying response from the squad. He described the mood during the summer tour as good overall, while acknowledging that disagreements and heated moments can occur in professional sport. He said the tour...