WORLD OF SPORT: England Rugby impose a self-policed cake ban ahead of the World Cup as Steve Borthwick’s side leave no stone unturned in selection bid

WORLD OF SPORT: England Rugby impose self-checked pie ban ahead of World Cup as Steve Borthwick’s side leave no stone unturned in selection bid

  • England’s players are staying off the cake as they get into shape for the World Cup
  • Sweet treats have been sacrificed by the team as they prepare to leave for France
  • Steve Borthwick’s squad is training in Italy in 40 degree heat that arrived last week

The England players have imposed a self-monitored cake ban as they prepare for the World Cup.

With Steve Borthwick preparing to reduce his side from 39 to 33 next month, the hopefuls are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for selection.

They traveled to Italy last week to train in 40C heat and flanker Lewis Ludlam revealed sweet treats have been sacrificed as they prepare for the tournament in France.

“Haven’t seen a cake in weeks,” Ludlam joked when he saw the media buffet at the team’s training base in Surrey.

Speaking of the environment Borthwick nurtured, he added: “To be honest, the regime has changed in the sense that it’s not so much forced on you, but you have the confidence to do everything the right way, so we’re in the best position to go and put ourselves in the best place this World Cup.

England players continue to love the pie and sweet treats ahead of the Rugby World Cup

Lewis Ludlam revealed that the players put themselves on a pie ban ahead of the tournament

Lewis Ludlam revealed that the players put themselves on a pie ban ahead of the tournament

“There is a general feeling among the squad that we need to sit on the money and make sure we make decisions so that next week and next month we are better rugby players. It’s a good group of guys so we check each other in check.

“There may be a birthday cake here and there, but I think the boys have a pretty good understanding of what’s in store for us. In general, it’s a short time in our careers where we can really focus on giving ourselves the opportunity to create really special memories.”

England’s first warm-up is against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, August 5, two days before Borthwick announces his 33-man squad.