Geordan Murphy slams Steve Borthwick's lack of people skills
- Geordan Murphy criticized Steve Borthwick's people skills and compared him to Eddie Jones.
- Murphy's comments stem from a brief professional relationship during the pandemic at Leicester Tigers.
- Concerns have arisen over the England rugby team's recent performance and internal dynamics.
In a controversial statement, Geordan Murphy, Steve Borthwick's former boss at Leicester Tigers, criticized Borthwick's interpersonal skills, describing him as a 'tall Eddie Jones.' This remark followed Borthwick's appointment as the head coach of the England national rugby team, where he faced scrutiny for the team's performance, having lost seven out of their last nine games. Murphy, who had a brief working relationship with Borthwick during the pandemic, claimed that Borthwick had made it clear he did not wish to be friends, leading to a disconnect in their working environment. Murphy's comments have sparked discussions about Borthwick's coaching style and the unrest within the England camp, drawing parallels between him and his former mentor, Eddie Jones. As the England team prepares to face France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, the pressure intensifies on Borthwick to improve team morale and performance amidst these criticisms. Murphy's observations imply that Borthwick's coaching ability is overshadowed by his reportedly poor communication skills, raising questions about his long-term future with the England squad and whether he can adapt his style to foster a more harmonious team environment.