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'If guys want to have a drink, that's not a problem... the guys will police each other'
England will adopt a self-policing approach to drinking in Japan to ensure there is no repeat of the controversies that blighted the most recent overseas World Cup.
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Eddie Jones’ squad have touched down in Miyazaki, the setting for a week-long training camp where they will step up preparations for their tournament opener against Tonga on September 22.
Jones has allowed alcohol to be consumed throughout his reign as head coach and the policy will remain in place over the forthcoming 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 also stained Twickenham’s reputation.
Ben Youngs was present in New Zealand eight years ago and as a current senior player he has been involved in shaping the approach taken to Japan.
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“We have addressed the elephant in the room and spoken about how off-field stuff can bring unneeded 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.
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“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.
Can this squad win the World Cup for England?
Every players goes under the microscope as @alexshawsport runs the rule over Eddie Jones' chosen 31.https://t.co/dkEmCxlHzX
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 9, 2019
“If you’re putting the team first then that’s the main thing. I’ll be surprised if boys want to have a drink. You’ve just got to be smart adults. You’re representing the country and you’re representing 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 five-hour delay on arrival into Tokyo on Monday due to the fallout from Typhoon Faxai, England enjoyed more harmonious transit to the south western island of Kyushu where Miyazaki is situated.
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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. Owen Farrell and his team-mates have been told in no uncertain terms by Jones what the coming weeks could mean for the nation.
“Eddie was part of Australia when they lost in the 2003 final and he’s been part of South Africa when they won it. He said, ‘Boys you’ve got the opportunity to create and be part of something that will be the most amazing thing of your life’,” he said.
“You saw what the cricket did with the World Cup, the football World Cup too. He’s made us aware of that. In terms of rugby, you just have the opportunity every time you’re out there to inspire a nation and do something very special and I think this group is certainly excited by that.”
– Press Association
WATCH: The trailer for the soon-to-be-released RugbyPass documentary on the Tonga national team as they prepare to play England in their 2019 World Cup opener in Japan
