The Times article alleged disagreements in Steve Borthwick’s wider coaching group, which has seen frequent change in nearly four years, and raised concerns over the head coach’s man-management. None of its sources were quoted directly. Some people previously involved in the regime have criticised the set-up.
Borthwick has overseen several coaching changes since taking charge. The squad treated the coverage as a matter to be dealt with internally rather than a distraction.
England have reviewed their last major tournament, in line with how most organisations try to take learnings from big events, George indicated.
George framed the episode as a test of leadership among the senior group rather than a split with the head coach.
As senior players, he added, part of their job was to challenge Borthwick.
England host Australia on Sunday to start the autumn series.
George said it was the first time in his England career the group had had to address a written article, but that they had spoken about it brilliantly. “This is going to galvanise us, it’s going to make us tighter,” he said.