England rugby team 'short-changing the fans'

Wednesday 17 March 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
Six Nations > England

The current England team is failing to provide fans with value for money, according to both a current and former player.

World cup winning winger Mark Cueto and former Grand Slam-winning captain Will Carling have both claimed that the style of play seen from England over the last couple of years is not what the paying fans have come to expect.

Cueto said it is not a lack of desire from the players selected, but rather a missing ingredient preventing the side from being top contenders.

"We all want exactly the same. And it is more frustrating for us doing it than it is for those watching it," he said.

Carling, on the other hand, believes that the team's failure to entertain the masses with "sexy rugby" akin to the France national side is hampering their ability to connect with the fans and may be damaging confidence.

Writing in the Sun, he summarised: "Playing sexy rugby just doesn't happen. You want it to, that is what you strive for. But it doesn't."

Posted by David Rawlings