‘A big breakdown challenge is coming,’ warns head coach
Genge calls timing of ‘hip-drop’ tackle law change ‘beserk’
Steve Borthwick is urging his England players to act smarter and recognise the vital importance of keeping 15 players on the field before a pivotal month for the national team. Borthwick’s side have been shown 14 yellow cards and one red in 2026 to date and, partly as a consequence, have lost five of their past seven Tests.
Borthwick is also concerned that different refereeing interpretations in the domestic Prem are not helping England at international level, with the latest complication being a mid‑season law change preventing so-called “hip-drop” tackles. His experienced prop Ellis Genge has called the timing of the alteration “berserk” but also fully accepts England must improve their disciplinary record in their autumn Nations Championship fixtures.
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