Sir Clive Woodward has slammed England fans behaviour at Twickenham during their Six Nations defeat against Scotland.
The World Cup-winning boss believes fans are being put off going to Twickenham by the stadium’s drinking culture.
Woodward wrote in his column for the Mail Online: “They have to do something about the huge number of supporters who spend most of the match getting up and down to either go to the bar to buy more beers or to go to the toilet.
“Twickenham is turning into the world’s biggest pub and for many England fans, watching their team has now become a pretty unpleasant experience.
“I witnessed this problem during the autumn internationals and had hoped that it might be better during the Six Nations.”
Woodward added: “I was amazed to see thousands and thousands of supporters still queuing at the bar rather than sitting in their seats ready for kick-off.
“My friends and family were at the match. They were surrounded by people who were more concerned with drinking than the rugby. They were up and down throughout the game. Each time they returned, they were carrying eight pints each.
“There was no trouble. These were decent, polite guys who apologised for causing a disturbance each time. But it was still incredibly annoying for my friends and family and they had beer spilt on them from behind.”
COMPETITION
Leaked England XV suggests Freddie Steward to be ‘benched’ by Steve Borthwick
England fans have been left baffled by a report that suggests Steve Borthwick is set to drop Freddie Steward for their clash against Italy.
England are looking to bounce back from their opening defeat by the Scots when they face Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.
The ‘Azzurri’ have proven to their Six Nations critics that they should not be taken lightly. An unexpected and impressive outing against reigning Six Nations Champions France, saw Italy take ‘Les Bleus’ to the wire, in a hotly contested match.
Securing a losing bonus point, with a 24-29 narrow defeat, Italy will be looking to write the wrongs at Twickenham, and pick up their first win of the competition.
According to The Telegraph, star man Steward, who has been on the field for every minute of England’s last 18 Test matches, is possibly in line to be rotated to the bench or rested.
Vice-captain Lawes is unlikely to face the Azzurri as he was not named among the 36, but is being kept involved by the head coach as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury.
Henry Slade has been included in England’s 36-man squad after recovering from injury. He is joined in the squad by London Irish winger Henry Arundell, who has recovered from a foot problem to be tipped to start.
TELEGRAPH LEAKED ENGLAND XV:
15. Henry Arundell (London Irish)
14. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers(
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
11. Max Malins (Saracens)