Sir Clive Woodward brands Steve Borthwick's England decision "absolute madness"

13 October 2023 , 11:15

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Sir Clive Woodward brands Steve Borthwick's England decision "absolute madness"

Sir Clive Woodward believes Steve Borthwick's decision to continue overlooking Henry Arundell is "absolute madness".

The England star has been left out of the matchday squad to face Fiji on Sunday with his opportunities at the Rugby World Cup remaining at a premium. Arundell has only been handed one run out, which came during the rout of Chile with the youngster scoring five tries.

That record-equalling performance wasn't enough for Borthwick though, who left Arundell out the following game with the Racing 92 star unable to get a look in despite England's inconsistent performances and lack of attacking threat. Arundell would add genuine pace to the backline, which Woodward believes is sorely missing from the team.

He wrote in the Daily Mail: "On the whole, the team still isn’t quick enough for me — even if it should be good enough to beat Fiji. I still don’t understand why Henry Arundell can’t get a game.

"To me, it’s absolute madness. What a waste it is to have a player of Arundell’s undoubted quality carrying the water. I would have him at full back alongside a couple of the flyers who did not even make the trip. Overall, from one to 15, this is not a fast enough team to win a World Cup."

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Jonny May and Elliot Daly have been preferred on the wings with Marcus Smith being utilised at fullback, with all three being named in the starting XV for Sunday's quarter-final. Arundell was given opportunities in the Six Nations under Borthwick, scoring a try in the win over Italy at Twickenham.

Henry Arundell continues to be overlooked by Steve Borthwick (AFP via Getty Images)

It has been rumoured that Arundell's constant omission is a result of a training ground 'scrap' with captain Owen Farrell, who has replaced George Ford at fly-half in was is a controversial call given the form of the Sale man, who has dropped to the bench, during the World Cup.

Former England international Andy Goode said on the Rugby Pod : "You've got a kid in the stands, scored five tries in one game, got game breaking ability, x-factor, can't get a look in, but there's a reason behind. I heard through the grapevine, and through my sources, that Henry Arundell and Owen Farrell had a bit of a scrap in training - and because you don't mess with Faz in this England squad - that's why Arundell isn't anywhere near the matchday 23 after scoring five tries.

The former Leicester fly-half went on to say: "Mate, no smoke without fire, I'm happy to say, it is what I've heard on good authority. I want Arundell in the team, we've all had scraps at training. You can't let that affect selection."

Samuel Meade