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England fallout continues

England fallout continues

11/23/2011 08:02:17 PM

England's Rugby World Cup failure has been laid bare in scathing confidential reports leaked on Wednesday.

The Rugby Football Union undertook three reviews, led by director of elite rugby Rob Andrew, into England's poor showing at the tournament in New Zealand, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

However, divisions in the squad, the lack of a game plan and accusations some players were more interested in money than representing their country have surfaced in details obtained by The Times.

Veteran Mike Tindall was one of several team members fined for off-field indiscretions, with coach Martin Johnson, who resigned last week, coming under fire for failing to discipline players.

A player quoted in the leaked report said: "I supposed we just wanted Johnno [Johnson] to have the [courage] to take action, especially after the Tindall night."

"He was too loyal and that was his downfall."

More than 90 percent of players were interviewed, and a rift between the senior squad members and others was highlighted.

"We had meetings where 'values' were discussed but they felt like empty words," a player said.

Another said: "If it's the senior players leading drinking games or drinking until they can't remember anything, what example are the younger players set?"

The coaching staff was also heavily criticised, except for scrum coach Graham Rowntree, who received praise from the players.

The game plan came in for special treatment.

"They'd had four years to develop a plan for the World Cup and it felt like they were doing it off-the-cuff in New Zealand," one of the players said.

"I've never played well in an England shirt," said another.

"I try my best but I know the game plan doesn't suit me and I'm not confident because I don't believe in what we're following."

The reports also suggest some players were more interested in money than leading England, who lost 19-12 to France in the last eight, to a second World Cup title.

"To hear one senior player in the changing room say straight after the quarter-final defeat, 'There's 35,000 pounds just gone down the toilet', made me feel sick," a player said.

"Money shouldn't even come into a player's mind."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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