England won’t give up after latest setback – Courtney Lawes England were beaten by Ireland and had Billy Vunipola sent off. The Independent UK · Aug 20, 2023
‘Incredibly disappointed’: Borthwick downcast after Ireland defeat England have acknowledged their discipline needs to improve significantly if they are to be remotely competitive at this year’s Rugby World Cup The Guardian - UK · Aug 19, 2023
Steve Borthwick hopes for quick outcome on Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell For the second straight week, an England player had their sin-bin upgraded to a red card to throw their World Cup preparations into disarray. The Independent UK · Aug 19, 2023
England pledge to stand by Billy Vunipola after red card against Ireland throws World Cup into doubt Saracens back row sent off for head-high tackle on Andrew Porter Evening Standard · Aug 19, 2023
England’s sheer lack of urgency compounds sense of chaos for Borthwick Steve Borthwick’s side lack discipline and the kicking game they are wedded to is being dreadfully executed The Guardian - UK · Aug 19, 2023
England player ratings vs Ireland: Courtney Lawes impactful but Billy Vunipola lets team down Another difficult day in preparation for World Cup Evening Standard · Aug 19, 2023
Billy Vunipola red card adds more disciplinary drama as England beaten by Ireland Ireland 29-10 England: England’s Rugby World Cup preparation was thrown into further disarray as Billy Vunipola was sent off in a disheartening loss The Independent UK · Aug 19, 2023
Billy Vunipola red card adds to England woes in humbling defeat by Ireland England’s No 8 was sent off after a high shoulder on Andrew Porter as Ireland scored five tries on their way to a 29-10 victory in Dublin The Guardian - UK · Aug 19, 2023
England’s Rugby World Cup plans in disarray after damaging defeat to Ireland Billy Vunipola given red card in 29-10 defeat in Dublin Evening Standard · Aug 19, 2023
England 19-17 Wales: Rugby World Cup warm-up international – as it happened England rally to win despite going down to 12 men thanks to a Maro Itoje try, but Own Farrell sees red and could miss the start of the World Cup The Guardian - UK · Aug 12, 2023
England vs Wales live stream: How to watch Rugby World Cup warm-up on TV Everything you need to know ahead of the Summer Nations Series clash The Independent UK · Aug 12, 2023
Borthwick puts faith in Saracens spine as England aim for redemption England coach, who can ill-afford to lose to Wales in next World Cup warm-up, knows the impact a Saracens core can have The Guardian - UK · Aug 11, 2023
Topsy Ojo column: Billy Vunipola as England’s only World Cup No8 puts big demands on team-mates Harlequins star Alex Dombrandt was the biggest omission from Steve Borthwick’s final 33-man cut, argues London Irish legend Evening Standard · Aug 11, 2023
Talking points as England host Wales in World Cup warm-up England need a response after comprehensive defeat in Cardiff. The Independent UK · Aug 11, 2023
The Guardian - UK · Aug 10, 2023 Steve Borthwick brushes off Warren Gatland’s England fitness jibe The England coach did not rise to the barb of Wales being too fit for his side, as he said that ‘incredible’ Henry Arundell can be a game-breaker at the World Cup
The Guardian - UK · Aug 10, 2023 Billy Vunipola to start for England in World Cup warm-up against Wales The No 8 Billy Vunipola has been named to start in England’s second Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday
The Independent UK · Aug 10, 2023 Billy Vunipola recalled in strong England XV for Wales clash Owen Farrell captains a side also featuring Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Elliot Daly and Henry Arundell.
The Independent UK · Aug 10, 2023 Billy Vunipola starts as Steve Borthwick recalls big guns for second England warm-up clash with Wales The number eight is set to feature for the first time this year in a side captained by Saracens teammate Owen Farrell
The Independent UK · Aug 8, 2023 Rugby World Cup 2023 squad guide: Players, fixtures and more With the tournament drawing closer, teams have begun announcing their 33-man squads
Evening Standard · Aug 8, 2023 England: How Billy Vunipola pulled off six-month charm offensive to win Rugby World Cup spot Billy Vunipola launched a six-month charm offensive to win Steve Borthwick round and earn Rugby World Cup selection.
The Guardian - UK · Aug 7, 2023 ‘Fittest-ever’ Vunipola can give England World Cup power, says Steve Borthwick Billy Vunipola is ‘very close’ to facing Wales after being out since April while Owen Farrell said: ‘If we’re under the radar, we’ll use it to our advantage’
The Independent UK · Aug 7, 2023 Billy Vunipola nearing comeback after being named in England’s World Cup squad The 30-year-old Saracen has been out of action since April because of two knee operations.
The Independent UK · Aug 7, 2023 Steve Borthwick defends World Cup selection with Billy Vunipola ‘in great shape’ Alex Dombrandt and Henry Slade are among the players to miss out.
Evening Standard · Aug 7, 2023 Steve Borthwick confident over Billy Vunipola fitness as England head coach explains Rugby World Cup squad Vunipola made the 33-man squad as Alex Dombrandt was left out by Borthwick
The Independent UK · Aug 7, 2023 Henry Slade omitted from England World Cup squad The Exeter centre has lost out to Joe Marchant in Steve Borthwick’s 33-man squad.