England players to police each other, insists Youngs
ENGLAND will adopt a selfpolicing approach to drinking in Japan to ensure there is no repeat of the controversies that blighted the most recent overseas Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Eddie Jones’ squad have arrived in Miyazaki, the setting for a week-long training camp where they will step up preparations for their tournament opener against Tonga on Sunday, September 22.
Jones has allowed alcohol to be consumed throughout his reign, and the policy will remain in place over the forth-coming campaign to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.
At the 2011 World Cup, Martin Johnson’s England became embroiled in a series of off-field incidents that undermined their pursuit of the sport’s greatest prize and stained Twickenham’s reputation.
Ben Youngs was present in New Zealand eight years ago and, as a senior player, has been involved in shaping the approach taken now.
“We’ve addressed the elephant in the room and spoken about how offfield stuff can bring un-needed attention that affects momentum,” the Leicester scrum-half said.
“Sometimes guys will get it wrong, but in this group I think guys will look out for each other.
“We want to see Japan and have down-time. If guys want to have a drink, that’s not a problem. The guys will police each other and make sure everyone makes the right decision.
“If you’re putting the team first, that’s the main thing. I’ll be surprised if boys want to have a drink. You’ve just got to be smart. You’re representing the country and each other.
“What you do has a knock-on effect on your team-mates and I feel this group is mature enough to make the right decisions. Hopefully we won’t face any of those issues.”
After being subjected to a fivehour delay on arrival into Tokyo on Monday due to the fall-out from Typhoon Faxai, England enjoyed more harmonious transit to the south-western island of Kyushu, where Miyazaki is situated.
A small but noisy crowd gathered at the airport to greet the players as they funnelled through arrivals and straight on to the team bus.
Japan and Russia kick-off the World Cup a week on Friday.