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England camp respond to Kearnan Myall's 'dread' claim
By Online Editors
England have mounted a staunch defence of Eddie Jones’ training approach following claims players feared national camps.
Former Wasps lock Kearnan Myall opened up on his struggles with depression this week, claiming several England stars “dread” meeting up for training with the Test team.
Attack coach Scott Wisemantel has insisted, however, that England’s stars are exposed extensive and sympathetic pastoral care, even amid head coach Jones’ famed taskmaster methods.
“We’ve had no complaints at all through the RPA (Rugby Players’ Association),” said Wisemantel. “There’s never been a complaint. I feel for the player, but it was a long time before my time here.
“I know the programme that Eddie runs here is intense, but it’s well-structured. There is time for players to refresh, to get their heads right, to recover. It’s a well-balanced programme, it really is.
“Eddie tries to vary the programme from week to week with little subtle changes and player socials. There’s also the downtime. I think it’s a very well-balanced programme.”
Confirming team manager Richard Hill as the first point of contact if players admitted struggling mentally, Wisemantel insisted any problems would be treated with the utmost respect and seriousness.
“Without a doubt (issues would be handled sympathetically),” he added. “Player welfare is important. It is not just the physical side, it is also the mental side.
“You look at sport in general, the stakes are high, the pressure is high at the pointy end of the stick. It is intense. It is providing coping mechanisms around it for players. Everyone is different.
“Within this squad, it is not one size fits all, there is enough scope for every individual to find their own niche, their own downtime and how they cope with the demands of playing international rugby.
“If a player is under pressure or something has been said, be mindful and address it rather than leaving it as an elephant in the room.
“There is nothing wrong with saying, ‘Are you OK?’ and then putting the appropriate steps in for the player because it is really important.”
- Press Association
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Latest Comments
Australia definitely the game of the weekend. Wallabies by 3.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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