Borthwick bullish over Morrow amid coaching upheaval

Steve Borthwick is confident of adding Phil Morrow to his coaching team at the end of the season and believes the Saracens fitness guru's desire to join demonstrates that working in his England setup is still an attractive proposition.

- Gerard Meagher

Borthwick put on a brave face as he publicly addressed the shock resignations of Felix Jones and Aled Walters for the first time, having named his 36-man squad for an autumn campaign that comes at a critical time in his tenure.

Jones, the defence coach, blindsided Borthwick in August, handing in his resignation days after Walters, the head of strength and conditioning, had jumped ship to Ireland. Such high-profile departures have raised significant questions over the environment that Borthwick oversees.

Joe El-Abd has replaced Jones who remains on the payroll though working remotely - but Borthwick's attempts to date to recruit Morrow from Saracens have proved unsuccessful. The Rugby Football Union had hoped to appoint Morrow in time for the autumn internationals but a proposed job-share that would have seen him continue in his team manager role at Saracens was blocked by the Premiership clubs.