England stars ‘sorry’ for late night drinking

Billy Vunipola and Ben Te’o are understood to have apologised to England team-mates for going out drinking late, after the rest of the squad returned to their west london hotel in the aftermath of the 38-38 draw with Scotland last Saturday.

The pair reportedly breached protocol by prolonging their night out away from the main group. However, there is no curfew imposed on the players, there was no allegation of wrong-doing and the RFu insist the matter was dealt with internally.

Head coach Eddie Jones is happy to allow his players to socialise together and has a relaxed attitude to moderate alcohol intake and the occasional big night out. However, he took a hard line against Manu Tuilagi and Denny Solomona when the pair had a late night out drinking during an England training camp.

England will launch their next Six nations campaign against France in paris on Sunday, February 2 next year and there will be no Friday games in the 2020 or 2021 championships. Wales begin their title defence at home to italy — Wayne pivac’s first game in charge — while andy Farrell will start his reign as ireland head coach against Scotland in Dublin.

l SaRaCEnS will move their derby against Harlequins to Spurs’ new stadium from next season.