Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Borthwick urges England players to improve discipline at Nations Championship

England head coach Steve Borthwick is demanding better conduct from his squad ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship. The team has struggled with penalties this year, accumulating 14 yellow cards and a single red card, which contributed to five losses in their last seven matches.

Borthwick noted that inconsistencies between domestic officiating and international standards have complicated preparations, specifically regarding a sudden mid-season prohibition on hip-drop tackles. Prop Ellis Genge described the timing of this new regulation as absurd, though he acknowledged that the players must adapt to avoid further disciplinary issues.

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