Arabic version: جورج يقول إن تقرير الخلاف سيجعل إنجلترا أقوى

According to BBC News, England hooker Jamie George says the squad is “really upset” by a newspaper report alleging player unrest over head coach Steve Borthwick’s leadership. England begin their autumn campaign against Australia in the Nations Championship on Sunday at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The Times report said unhappy players wanted summit talks with Borthwick and Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney during the July tour of Argentina. It also alleged disagreements in Borthwick’s wider coaching group and concerns about his man-management. George said he did not recognise that depiction and questioned the timing, two days before England’s first Test match.

George, who was England captain in 2024 before Maro Itoje took the role 12 months later, said much of the report was untrue. He said Itoje called a leaders’ meeting and that the squad had addressed the article well. George said the group would become tighter and must support Borthwick after what he described as an unwarranted personal attack.

Borthwick said the depiction was not something he recognised, adding that meetings between senior players and coaches are common in coaching environments. George said senior players are expected to challenge Borthwick and that feedback is a two-way conversation. He said there was an edge during the Argentina tour but “at no stage was it toxic”.

England return to Twickenham after February’s 42-21 defeat by Ireland. Victories over Fiji and Argentina ended a five-match losing run, but England’s winning percentage for 2026 remains 38%. Australia are followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand, whose side is now coached by Dave Rennie.