RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL: Blazer brigade given dressing down as we reveal RFU Council’s antics at Twickenham, English Rugby League star who Eddie Jones needed to signal and Wallabies skip Celtic Manor lodge after Springbok moans
English rugby’s blazer brigade have been given an embarrassing dressing down for bad behaviour at Twickenham during the autumn series.
The RFU Council members, who received privileged access to tickets and hospitality, have received a sharply-worded email from the governing body’s president Rob Udwin.
They received a formal warning after last week’s defeat by the All Blacks, following complaints about sneaking guests into VIP areas, disrespecting the trophy presentation and unruly behaviour on the bus back to their hotel.
Famously described by former England captain Will Carling as the ‘old farts’, the RFU Council is made up of 62 members whose privileges include free bars, travel, tickets and hotels.
The email, seen by Rugby Confidential, stated: ‘I am sorry to say that there are a couple matters I need to raise. Over the course of Saturday (November 9), there were incidents of poor behaviour by Council Members’ guests, both in the Council area and then on the coach back.
RFU Council members have been given a warning for bad behaviour during autumn series
Complaints were made after New Zealand beat England 24-22 at Twickenham on 2 November
Former England captain Will Carling once described council members as the ‘old farts’
‘To be specific, there was a case of a guest trying to use other members’ and guests’ accreditation to get more people admitted to the Council area.
‘May I equally respectfully remind you that you are responsible for your guests, including their behaviour. Poor behaviour reflects on us all. Finally, a reminder that when there is a trophy presentation, please can everyone in the Council Box remain in place until the presentation has been completed to show respect to the players.’
Proposals have made to cut the council’s hospitality budget, including reducing the number of overseas trips they are entitled, with hotels such as the Intercontinental costing upwards of £300 per night.
Last year, a council member was banned from Twickenham for racism towards a black volunteer during the World Cup warm-up campaign.
Morrow watches England train after being denied role
Phil Morrow was a guest at England training this week despite being blocked from joining England’s coaching team.
Steve Borthwick was desperate to appoint Saracens’ General Manager following the departure of S&C guru Aled Walters this summer, but Premiership 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, enjoying a catch-up with Borthwick following afternoon training.
Saracens’ General Manager Phil Morrow was previously blocked from joining England’s staff
Jones tried to convert rugby league star
The sensational debut of code-switcher Joseph Sua’ali’i has made headlines around the world after Australia’s victory over England.
Eddie Jones was central in signing Sua’ali’i from rugby league but it is not the first time the coach has tried to bring a player over to union.
During his days coaching England, Jones showed a strong interest in Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman, who is understood to have held talks with Wasps.
Eddie Jones had strong interest in bringing rugby league star Harry Newman into England set up when he was coach
Opoku-Fordjour set to feature for A-team
Young prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been training with England’s senior team this week but he is still expected in the A-team fixture against Australia on Sunday.
Borthwick is keen for the prop to get more experience of senior rugby and should give him dispensation to join up with the development team later this week.
Prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been training with England’s senior team during autumn series
Everard spotted at Australia training
Leicester Tigers defence coach Matt Everard was spotted at Wallabies training as they prepare for Sunday’s Test against Wales.
Everard, who was Borthwick’s final appointment before he joined England, has overseen the best defence in the Premiership this season and last.
Leicester Tigers defence coach Matt Everard was spotted at an Australia training session ahead of their clash with Wales
Wallabies skip Celtic Manor stay
The Wallabies recovered from their famous victory over England with a round of golf at Celtic Manor, which hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup.
The Australians made the four-hour bus journey from London to Cardiff on Sunday and have been teeing off at the country’s number one golf course.
However, they are not staying at the course’s adjacent hotel. Joe Schmidt’s side are staying at the popular Hilton hotel in the city centre, despite the Springboks seeking alternative Cardiff accommodation following repeated complaints about early-morning fire alarms.
