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id="web-strip-banner"><div class="partner takeover" id="takeover" data-link-partner="AdServed"></div></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-ad-web-strip"></div><div id="auth-ui"></div><div class="taboola-above-article"><div id="taboola-above-article-express" class="taboola-container" data-tb-mode="alternating-above-article" data-tb-placement="Above Article Express" data-tb-target-type="mix" data-tb="true"></div></div><div role="main" class="clear clearfix"><div class="single-article regular" id="singleArticle" data-story="1975137" role="main"> <article data-io-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/1975137/Steve-Borthwick-England-George-Ford-EPS-contracts"> <header class="clearfix"><h1>Steve Borthwick told to axe England star handed £160k contract just weeks ago</h1><h2>The Autumn campaign is not going well for England head coach Steve Borthwick.</h2><div class="panel new"><div class="publish-info"><div class="before-main-author"></div><div class="author main-author"> <span>By </span><a href="/journalist/123089/Fraser-Watson" ><span>Fraser Watson</span></a></div><div class="dates"> <time datetime="2024-11-12T16:03:00Z"> <span>16:03, Tue, Nov 12, 2024</span> </time> <time datetime="2024-11-12T16:04:49Z"> | UPDATED: <span>16:04, Tue, Nov 12, 2024</span> </time></div></div><div class="sharebar"><a href="#comments-wrapper" class="comment" title="Comment section"> <span class="count-num spot-im-replies-count" id="comments-count"><span class="dot-flashing"></span></span> </a> <span class="facebook share-item" title="Share on Facebook" data-provider="facebook" > </span> <span class="twitter share-item" title="Share on Twitter" data-provider="twitter" > </span> <span class="reddit share-item" title="Share on Reddit" data-provider="reddit" > </span> <span class="linkedin share-item" title="Share on LinkedIn" data-provider="linkedin" > </span> <span class="pinterest share-item" title="Share on Pinterest" data-provider="pinterest" > </span> <span class="copylink 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class="clearfix hR new-style"> <div class="affiliate-links"> This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1078812/Daily-Express-Information-on-Affiliate-links" target="_top">Learn more</a></div>  <div class="photo changeSpace"><p class="withoutCaption"><picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.avif?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.webp?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.avif?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.webp?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.avif?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.webp?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.avif?r=1731427489050" media="screen"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.webp?r=1731427489050" media="screen"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050" class="zoomEnabled" data-img="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050" alt="RUGBYU-ENG-AUS" title="RUGBYU-ENG-AUS" width="590" height="416" loading="lazy"></picture></p><span class="newsCaption">Steve Borthwick has twice seen his England side lose late on this month. <span class="caption">(Image: Getty)</span><span class="magnifier" data-img="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/Steve-Borthwick-5759804.jpg?r=1731427489050"></span></span></div><div class="text-description"><p><a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" title="England rugby team" href="/latest/england-rugby-team">England</a> head coach <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" title="Steve Borthwick" href="/latest/steve-borthwick">Steve Borthwick</a> has been urged to axe George Ford just weeks after he was awarded an Elite Player Squad contract. Last month, the RFU confirmed that <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1969717/england-rugby-pay-divide-steve-borthwick">17 players had been handpicked to receive an annual £160,000 fee</a> for representing their country, with Borthwick getting the final say on their medical and fitness matters.</p><p>The deals came prior to England kicking off their Autumn International campaign, which has this far yielded consecutive defeats against New Zealand and Australia.</p><div id="ad-vip-article"><div id="div-gpt-ad-vip"></div></div><p>And the displays of Ford, who recovered from a torn quad muscle to make selection for both games, have come under real scrutiny.</p></div><div class="box two-related-articles clear"> <header><h3>Related articles</h3> </header><ul><li> <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Rec|RelatedArticles|index1" class="clearfix" href="/sport/rugby-union/1973736/australia-rugby-david-campese-steve-borthwick-new-zealand" data-long-headline="Australia rugby icon blasts Steve Borthwick for 'absolutely ridiculous' England decision" data-short-headline="Australia rugby icon blasts Borthwick for 'absolutely ridiculous' England move"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1973736_1.avif" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1973736_1.webp" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1973736_1.jpg" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1973736_1.avif" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1973736_1.webp" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1973736_1.jpg" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1973736_1.avif" media="screen"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1973736_1.webp" media="screen"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1973736_1.jpg" alt="" title="" width="285" height="190" loading="lazy"></picture> <span>Australia rugby icon blasts Borthwick for 'absolutely ridiculous' England move</span> </a></li><li> <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Rec|RelatedArticles|index2" class="clearfix" href="/sport/rugby-union/1974264/England-rugby-Steve-Borthwick" data-long-headline="England make decision over sacking Steve Borthwick as senior players adopt clear stance" data-short-headline="England make decision over sacking Steve Borthwick as players adopt clear stance"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1974264_1.avif" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1974264_1.webp" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/1974264_1.jpg" media="screen and (max-width: 979px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1974264_1.avif" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1974264_1.webp" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/494x294/1974264_1.jpg" media="screen and (min-width: 1200px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1974264_1.avif" media="screen"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1974264_1.webp" media="screen"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x190/1974264_1.jpg" alt="" title="" width="285" height="190" loading="lazy"></picture> <span>England make decision over sacking Steve Borthwick as players adopt clear stance</span> </a></li></ul></div><div class="text-description"><p>The 31-year-old has produced two error-strewn cameos, first <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1970801/George-Ford-England-New-Zealand">blowing two chances to seal victory against the All Blacks</a>. With the hosts trailing 24-22 in the final minute, he struck the post with a long range penalty, before seeing a last-ditch drop goal opportunity drift wide.</p><div id="ovp-primis"> <script>const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})</script> </div><p>On Saturday, Borthwick again chose to send him on just after the hour mark, with the crowd responding by jeering the decision to switch the in-form Marcus Smith to full back. And rather than add composure to the ranks, the change seemed to disrupt England’s cohesion <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1973928/england-player-ratings-vs-australia">as the Wallabies sealed a dramatic 42-37 victory</a>.</p><div id="taboola-ad"></div><p>And now Andy Goode, who won 17 caps at No.10 for England, has called for Borthwick to get ruthless and end his ploy of pre-planning substitutions. “He is bringing George Ford on at 65 minutes and the whole crowd is booing and that is a sign of everyone has been talking about you have got to leave Marcus Smith at 10,” he told Jim Hamilton on <em><a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="https://www.therugbypod.com/podcast/episode/21ad26d6/episode-10-home-nations-crumble-defenceless-england-and-damp-night-in-dublin" rel="nofollow">The Rugby Pod</a></em>.</p></div><div class="photo changeSpace"><p class="withoutCaption"><picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.avif?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.webp?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:10000px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.avif?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.webp?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/674x400/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:100000px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.avif?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.webp?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/jpeg" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/940x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068" media="screen and (min-width:1200px)"><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.avif?r=1731427489068" media="screen"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.webp?r=1731427489068" media="screen"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/590x/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068" class="zoomEnabled" data-img="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068" alt="England v New Zealand - Autumn Nations Series 2024" title="England v New Zealand - Autumn Nations Series 2024" width="590" height="395" loading="lazy"></picture></p><span class="newsCaption">George Ford after missing his drop goal chance against New Zealand. <span class="caption">(Image: Getty)</span><span class="magnifier" data-img="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/1200x712/secondary/George-Ford-5759822.jpg?r=1731427489068"></span></span></div><div class="partners-element single"><div class="widget blurb" data-expires="" data-alt-exp-text="" data-id="36784" data-name="Watch the Rugby Autumn Internationals with TNT Sports"><div class="data"><div class="images"> <a href="https://discovery.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hvud/pubref:EXPRESS" target="_blank"> <picture> <source srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/affiliateswidgets/175x108/1730199527472.avif" type="image/avif"> <source srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/affiliateswidgets/175x108/1730199527472.webp" type="image/webp"> <img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/affiliateswidgets/175x108/1730199527472.jpg" alt="Deal image" loading="lazy"> </picture> </a></div> <a class="title" href="https://discovery.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hvud/pubref:EXPRESS" target="_blank">Watch the Rugby Autumn Internationals with TNT Sports</a><div class="details"> <span class="price">£30.99</span> <a class="view-deal" href="https://discovery.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hvud/pubref:EXPRESS" target="_blank">View Deal</a></div><div class="info"><p>The rugby Autumn Internationals are under way.</p><p>All 21 fixtures will be broadcast exclusively on <strong><a href="https://discovery.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hvud/pubref:EXPRESS">TNT Sports</a></strong>, which is available for £30.99 on a rolling monthly basis with <a href="https://discovery.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hvud/pubref:EXPRESS"><strong>Discovery+ Premium</strong></a> and also includes the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, boxing, NBA, and WWE.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="text-description"><p>“At this point we are chasing the game a bit and Marcus Smith at 10, he creates two or three tries and then you move him to full-back and bring George Ford on. I’m sorry, George Ford’s time is up as an England player. I don’t think he should be in the squad. He hasn’t played enough rugby this year to earn the right.”</p><p>Ford is currently on 96 caps, but will add to that tally if he features in the upcoming matches with South Africa and Japan. Goode however, argued that Northampton’s Fin Smith currently represents a more favourable option and also blamed Ford for England’s late defensive chaos against Australia, citing an intercepted pass that led to one try for the visitors.</p><div id="mantis-recommender-placeholder"></div><p>“Like, last week you are bringing George Ford on to close out the game and this is a Steve issue and a George Ford issue,” he added. “This week, with five minutes to go, we have ourselves in a winning position.</p></div><div id="newsletter-place"></div><div class="newsletter-pure" style="background: rgba(0, 123, 92, 1); border-color: rgba(0, 123, 92, 1);"><div class="i lazy-bckg" title="Sign up for FREE for breaking Wimbledon news and player updates"></div><div class="t cc" style="border-color: rgba(0, 123, 92, 1);"><div> <input placeholder="Enter your email address here" type="email" name="emailAddress" data-pure360="10"> <button data-nfsubmit>SUBSCRIBE</button> <span class="l"></span> <span class="error">Invalid email</span></div><p>We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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Read our <a href="/privacy-notice">Privacy Policy</a></p></div></div><div class="text-description dont-miss"><p> <strong> Don't miss... </strong> <br> <strong> <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1974809/Wales-rugby-Warren-Gatland-Mike-Phillips"> Wales rugby icon fumes at Warren Gatland's salary and demands boss is sacked </a> [LATEST] </strong> <br> <strong> <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1974437/England-rugby-South-Africa-Rassie-Erasmus-Autumn-Nations"> England branded 'desperate' as Rassie Erasmus puts South Africa stars on alert </a> [LATEST] </strong> <br> <strong> <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1974237/immanuel-feyi-waboso-ruled-out-england-s-clash-south-africa"> England suffer big injury blow as key man ruled out of South Africa clash </a> [LATEST] </strong></p></div><div class="text-description"><p>“When you are talking about game management, you are talking about experience and you are talking about 75 minutes into the game, you are two points up and you have got a lineout in and around the halfway line – that is an awful play to call at that point by George Ford.”</p><p>Ford, who initially appeared to be struggling to make the Autumn campaign, <a data-link-tracking="InArticle|Link" href="/sport/rugby-union/1962744/England-squad-announcement-Autumn-Nations-Series">was given dispensation by Borthwick</a> to have extra time to prove his fitness. 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srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2015168_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2015168_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2015168_1.jpg" alt="Gareth Thomas husband HIV" title="Gareth Thomas husband HIV" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2015168" data-article-headline="Gareth Thomas' husband shunned because of rugby star's HIV status" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2015168/Gareth-Thomas-husband-HIV" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2015168_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Gareth Thomas' husband shunned because of rugby star's HIV status</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2014991" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2014991" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2014991/irelands-joey-carbery-six-nations" title="Ireland's Joey Carbery could be eligible to make shock switch to Six Nations rival" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index7"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014991_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014991_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014991_1.jpg" alt="irelands joey carbery six nations" title="irelands joey carbery six nations" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2014991" data-article-headline="Ireland's Joey Carbery could be eligible to make shock switch to Six Nations rival" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2014991/irelands-joey-carbery-six-nations" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2014991_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Ireland's Joey Carbery could be eligible to make shock switch to Six Nations rival</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2013687" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2013687" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a 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fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Joe Marler grabbed opponent's genitals and called rival 'a gypsy boy' to spark fury</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2012779" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2012779" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2012779/going-pay-price-ireland" title="'Going to pay the price' - Ireland legend shares Antoine Dupont theory after England loss" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index4"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2012779_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2012779_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2012779_1.jpg" alt="going pay price - ireland" title="going pay price - ireland" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" 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coaches?" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2012327/Romain-Ntamack-France-Six-Nations-rugby" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2012327_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Who is Romain Ntamack and why did he fall out with France coaches?</span> </a></div> </section> <section class="new box news" data-vr-zone="R/H Side More From This Section (Rugby)"><div data-post-id="2014408" class="Story big" data-short-story="2014408" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a class="" href="/sport/rugby-union/2014408/fin-smith-england-scotland-six-nations-talks" title="Fin Smith nails colours to 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height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="Headline">Fin Smith nails colours to the mast as England star held talks over playing for Scotland</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2014102" class="first new short newmftp" data-short-story="2014102" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2014102/Wales-rugby-Warren-Gatland-Rob-Howley" title="Wales rocked by another departure as Warren Gatland followed out the door" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index2"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014102_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014102_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2014102_1.jpg" alt="Wales rugby Warren Gatland Rob Howley" title="Wales rugby Warren Gatland Rob Howley" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2014102" data-article-headline="Wales rocked by another departure as Warren Gatland followed out the door" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2014102/Wales-rugby-Warren-Gatland-Rob-Howley" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2014102_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Wales rocked by another departure as Warren Gatland followed out the door</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2013855" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2013855" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2013855/warren-gatland-wales-rugby-chief-abi-tierney" title="What Warren Gatland said to Wales rugby chief during phone call after Italy defeat" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index3"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013855_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013855_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013855_1.jpg" alt="warren gatland wales rugby chief abi tierney" title="warren gatland wales rugby chief abi tierney" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2013855" data-article-headline="What Warren Gatland said to Wales rugby chief during phone call after Italy defeat" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2013855/warren-gatland-wales-rugby-chief-abi-tierney" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2013855_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">What Warren Gatland said to Wales rugby chief during phone call after Italy defeat</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2013794" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2013794" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2013794/Lawrence-Dallaglio-divorce-wife-Alice" title="Lawrence Dallaglio divorces wife of 20 years after 'weathering number of storms'" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index4"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013794_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013794_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013794_1.jpg" alt="Lawrence Dallaglio divorce wife Alice" title="Lawrence Dallaglio divorce wife Alice" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2013794" data-article-headline="Lawrence Dallaglio divorces wife of 20 years after 'weathering number of storms'" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2013794/Lawrence-Dallaglio-divorce-wife-Alice" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2013794_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Lawrence Dallaglio divorces wife of 20 years after 'weathering number of storms'</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2013654" class="new short newmftp" data-short-story="2013654" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2013654/england-star-Six-Nations" title="England star speaks out on controversial Six Nations style as new face added to squad" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index5"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013654_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013654_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013654_1.jpg" alt="england star Six Nations" title="england star Six Nations" width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2013654" data-article-headline="England star speaks out on controversial Six Nations style as new face added to squad" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2013654/england-star-Six-Nations" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2013654_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">England star speaks out on controversial Six Nations style as new face added to squad</span> </a></div><div data-post-id="2013291" class="last new short newmftp" data-short-story="2013291" data-vr-contentbox=""> <a href="/sport/rugby-union/2013291/wales-coach-six-nations-warren-gatland-simon-easterby" title="Wales could raid Six Nations rivals Ireland as chief vows 'the money is there'" class="clearfix " data-link-tracking="rhs|MoreIn|Rugby|title|index6"><div class="lazy-container"> <picture><source type="image/avif" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013291_1.avif"><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013291_1.webp"><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/183x122/2013291_1.jpg" alt="wales coach six nations warren gatland simon easterby " title="wales coach six nations warren gatland simon easterby " width="183" height="122" loading="lazy"></picture> <span class="bookmark-icon" data-bookmark="0" data-article-id="2013291" data-article-headline="Wales could raid Six Nations rivals Ireland as chief vows 'the money is there'" data-article-url="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/2013291/wales-coach-six-nations-warren-gatland-simon-easterby" data-article-image="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/69/285x169/2013291_1.jpg" > <svg width="25" height="25" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" data-bookmark-icon> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3Z" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0)"></path> <path d="M17 3H7C5.9 3 5 3.9 5 5V21L12 18L19 21V5C19 3.9 18.1 3 17 3ZM17 18L12 15.82L7 18V5H17V18Z" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </svg> </span></div> <span class="rh-header">Wales could raid Six Nations rivals Ireland as chief vows 'the money is there'</span> </a></div> </section><div 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