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Worcester boss defends Ollie Lawrence after Eddie Jones criticism
By Chris Jones
Worcester Warriors boss Jonathan Thomas has defended the attitude of England international Ollie Lawrence who was the target of personal criticism in Eddie Jones’s latest book.
In his new book Leadership, Jones makes it clear he was not impressed with 22-year-old Lawrence in training with the national squad. He said: “He’s [Lawrence] still a kid, only 21, but the way that some of the media raves about him you would think he’s already assured of becoming one of the best players in the world. He might do that, one day, but his attitude was not hungry or disciplined enough.”
Lawrence, who won the last of his seven England caps against the USA in July, is set to return from injury for Worcester at home to Wasps on Saturday along with fellow internationals Duhan van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland and Thomas was keen to put the record straight.
The Worcester director of rugby said: “All I can do is comment on the Ollie Lawrence I know in this environment and since I have been here he has been part of the England squad. I have seen someone who is passionate about playing for Worcester and has even played through injury and against Sale he had grade two tear in his calf and was knocking on my door saying he wants to play for the team.
“Ollie is a young man and life is all about growing from your experiences and I think going into England camps has been really good for him because it takes you to another level. Ollie comes back and leads by example and everything that doesn’t require talent like kick-chase has gone to another level because of that experience. I have also seen him mature as a person to the extent that we have put him in our leadership group because he wants to add value on and off the field.
“I see a young man who has got talent and all young men are not the finished article but we are glad to have him here.”
Thomas was joined in a 7am coach’s meeting by former Sale boss Steve Diamond who started this week as Worcester’s lead rugby consultant. Thomas, who saw his side grab a draw in the snow at Newcastle at the weekend, said: “Dimes can add real value and we are in a really good place.”
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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