England's senior players have rallied behind head coach Steve Borthwick after a newspaper report claimed his squad sought clear-the-air talks during the summer over his management style.

Players reject 'toxic environment' claim

The report alleged that players were unhappy with Borthwick's treatment of them, that he had been involved in a training-ground confrontation with prop Ellis Genge, and that they wanted Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney to hear their grievances. A meeting did take place, but it was held virtually after the tour rather than in Argentina.

Borthwick, England's head coach for the past four years, said he did not recognise the claims as an accurate reflection of the environment or of his relationships with the players. Hooker Jamie George, who captained the side on the July tour, said the squad was "incredibly tight" and described Borthwick as "one of our own", adding that the suggestion of a toxic environment was "just not true, hand on heart".

Captain Maro Itoje, who was rested for the summer tour, also backed the coach, saying Borthwick had "not lost the faith of us players". George, Itoje, Genge and fly-half George Ford called a team meeting at the squad's Surrey training base on Thursday to discuss the claims.

Focus turns to Australia

Sweeney has already backed Borthwick to lead England at next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia, and the players say the episode has galvanised the squad. England have lost five of their eight Tests in 2026, and face Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday in the second phase of the Nations Championship. Itoje returns to lead the side, with Borthwick making four changes to the starting team, including recalls for full-back George Furbank, prop Fin Smith and openside Ben Curry.