Former captain Steve Borthwick axed from England elite squad
Martin Johnson called it the most difficult decision he’s had to take as England head coach.
Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick has been dropped from the elite squad for the forthcoming season, allowing Lewis Moody to retain the captaincy.
Borthwick came in for criticism during his tenure as England captain, particularly around the time of the team’s autumn internationals, although Johnson was always fiercely loyal to his former international teammate.
However, after England’s committed display in their final Six Nations match against Grand Slam champions France, which Borthwick was ruled out of because of injury, and then their encouraging displays in Australia, which Borthwick also missed, Johnson has taken the decision to omit the 30-year-old Saracens lock from his 32-man squad.
It comes as a surprise given Johnson’s previous comments towards his former captain, who held that position throughout Johnson’s reign up to now; but with the 2011 World Cup fast approaching, he can ill-afford to make the same mistakes with his squad selection.
England’s head coach was sympathetic towards Borthwick, but put it down to the competition from those younger players previously on the fringes of a call-up.
"Leaving Steve Borthwick out was a very hard decision. He's done a fantastic job for England over the last couple of years and it's the most difficult call we've had to make," said Johnson.
"It is very tough on Steve but it goes to show the depth of talent we've got in that area."
One of those talented players is uncapped Dave Attwood; while Courtney Lawes, Simon Shaw and Tom Palmer also fill the second row positions.
Borthwick will now drop down to the Saxons squad, joining Ugo Monye, Mathew Tait and Louis Deacon.
Currently on 57 caps, it seems likely that Borthwick’s international career has been brought to a premature end after this decision.
England fans may be more optimistic this afternoon, though. They’d grown tired of dull rugby under Borthwick’s captaincy, and will hope that this marks the start of a bright new era ahead of the seventh World Cup.
England elite squad
Forwards: David Attwood (Gloucester), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Paul Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Hendre Fourie (Leeds Carnegie), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Stade Francais), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Moody (Bath Rugby), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais), Tim Payne (London Wasps), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Steve Thompson (Leeds Carnegie), David Wilson (Bath), Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
Backs: Delon Armitage (London Irish), Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints), Matt Banahan (Bath), Danny Care (Harlequins), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Riki Flutey (London Wasps), Ben Foden (Northampton Saints), Shontayne Hape (Bath), David Strettle (Saracens), Mike Tindall, Dominic Waldouck (London Wasps), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers). (Gloucester), Dominic Waldouck (London Wasps), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).
Tags: