Bubble and peak as England enjoy a base-camp blast
OWEN FARRELL presented his England team-mates with their winners medals as celebrations of the third Six Nations title under Eddie Jones continued yesterday.
A 34-5 victory over Italy in Rome saw England crowned champions but it was only upon their return to their Teddington base that they were awarded a trophy they last held in 2017.
Coronavirus protocols meant the presentation took place within the squad’s bubble, limiting those present to players and staff.
‘It was fantastic. Obviously it’s not the same, everything is a bit different now. The players walked to the stage, there were fireworks,’ said head coach Jones.
‘Owen got to be (World Rugby chairman) Bill Beaumont and put the medals around the necks! All the paper goes off and the fireworks go off. The players enjoy that solitary moment and then we’re back to business.’
The squad now have a break until Thursday when they will begin preparations for the Autumn Nations Cup opener against Georgia on November 14. And Maro
Itoje declared their potential is only just being realised.
‘We’re only just getting started in terms of where we think we can go,’ said the England forward.
‘We’ve won this tournament and have been reasonably successful in the past, but the exciting thing for us is where we can go and where we can take everything. We have a group of guys who are unbelievably committed and love playing for England.
‘Our win against Italy is the first time we’ve played together for a while. It wasn’t the smoothest of games, but it’s a great foundation for us to progress from.’