RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL: Blazer brigade given dressing down as we reveal RFU Council’s antics at Twickenham, English Rugby League star who Eddie Jones wanted to sign and why spooked Springboks shunned Celtic Manor hotel
England rugby’s brass brigade have been given an embarrassing scolding for poor behavior at Twickenham during the autumn series.
RFU council members, who were given privileged access to tickets and hospitality, have received a strongly worded email from the governing body’s chairman, Rob Udwin.
They were given a formal warning after last week’s defeat to the All Blacks, following complaints about guests sneaking into VIP areas, disrespecting the trophy presentation and unruly behavior on the bus back to their hotel.
The RFU council, described by former England captain Will Carling as the ‘old farts’, consists of 62 members whose privileges include free bars, travel, tickets and hotels.
The email, seen by Rugby Confidential, said: ‘I’m sorry to say there are a few matters I need to discuss. Over the course of Saturday (9 November) there were incidents of bad behavior by guests of councillors, both in the council room and afterwards on the bus.
RFU council members have been warned for bad behavior during the autumn series
Complaints were made after New Zealand defeated England 24-22 at Twickenham on November 2
Former England captain Will Carling once described councilors as the ‘old farts’
“To be specific, there was an instance where a guest attempted to use the accreditation of other members and guests to get more people admitted into the council room.
‘May I just respectfully remind you that you are responsible for your guests, including their behavior. Bad behavior affects us all. Finally, a reminder: if there is a trophy presentation, everyone can remain in their place in the Council Box until the presentation is completed, to show respect to the players.”
Proposals have been made to cut the council’s hospitality budget, including reducing the number of overseas trips they are entitled to, with hotels such as the Intercontinental costing more than £300 a night.
Last year a Twickenham councilor was banned for racism towards a black volunteer during the World Cup warm-up campaign.
Morrow watches England train after being denied a role
Phil Morrow was a guest at England’s training this week, despite not being allowed to join the England coaching team.
Steve Borthwick was desperate to become Saracens’ General Manager following the departure of S&C guru Aled Walters this summer, but Premier League clubs voted against him taking on a dual role with club and country.
Morrow was a guest at a conference at England’s Pennyhill Park training base on Tuesday afternoon, where he caught up with Borthwick after afternoon training.
Saracens general manager Phil Morrow was previously ruled out of joining the England staff
Jones tried to convert a rugby league star
Code changer Joseph Sua’ali’i’s sensational debut has made headlines around the world following Australia’s victory over England.
Eddie Jones played a central role in signing Sua’ali’i from rugby league, but it is not the first time the coach has tried to bring a player into the union.
During his days as England coach, Jones showed a strong interest in Leeds Rhinos center Harry Newman, who is believed to have held talks with Wasps.
Eddie Jones was keen to bring rugby league star Harry Newman to England when he was a coach
Opoku-Fordjour will appear for the A-team
Young professional Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been training with the England senior team this week but is still expected in the A-team’s match against Australia on Sunday.
Borthwick is keen for the prop to gain more experience in senior rugby and should grant him dispensation to join the development squad later this week.
Prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been training with the England senior team during the autumn series
Everard spotted during training in Australia
Leicester Tigers defense coach Matt Everard was spotted at Wallabies training as they prepare for Sunday’s Test against Wales.
Everard, Borthwick’s last appointment before joining England, has overseen the best defense in the Premier League this season and last.
Leicester Tigers defense coach Matt Everard was spotted training in Australia ahead of their clash with Wales
Wallabies skip Celtic Manor stay
The Wallabies bounced back from their famous win over England with a round of golf at Celtic Manor, home of the 2010 Ryder Cup.
The Australians made the four-hour bus journey from London to Cardiff on Sunday and played a round on the country’s number one golf course.
However, they do not stay in the course’s adjacent hotel. Joe Schmidt’s side are staying at the popular Hilton hotel in the city center despite the Springboks seeking alternative accommodation in Cardiff after repeated complaints about early morning fire alarms.