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9th August 2022
05:19pm BST

"If you have only been in a system where you get to 15, you have a bit of rugby ability and then go to Harrow. Then for two years you do nothing but play rugby, everything’s done for you. That’s the reality. You have this closeted life." "When things go to crap on the field who’s going to lead because these blokes have never had experience of it? I see that as a big thing. When we are on the front foot we are the best in the world. When we are not on the front foot our ability to find a way to win, our resolve, is not as it should be."[caption id="attachment_269424" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Eddie Jones leads an England rugby training session held at The Lensbury Hotel, in June 2022. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)[/caption]
"The RFU is hugely appreciative and supportive of the role both the independent and state school sectors play in introducing boys and girls to our sport and in our player pathway. A collaborative approach and strong partnerships within the education sector ensure players are supported and offered opportunities to develop at all schools. "The most recent England men’s squad contained players who have benefited from time within independent schools, including Maro Itoje and Henry Arundell, as well as many from the state sector including, Jonny Hill and Courtney Lawes. "As a union, we are always working to broaden the appeal and accessibility of rugby union to boys and girls from a wide range of backgrounds."Seven of the starting England XV that clinched a series win over Australia, last month, were privately educated with the other eight coming from public [fee-paying] school backgrounds. However, the entire England U18 side that was assembled, earlier this year, came from public schools.
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