England star reacts to newfound TikTok fame after dance goes viral

The clip – filmed by Tommy Freeman and featuring Steward, Fin Smith and Henry Pollock performing a synchronised routine to Irish country music – was posted the day after England’s 33–19 win over New Zealand. Captioned “Post game feels”, it has since amassed millions of views.

But speaking following England’s 27–23 victory over Argentina, their 11th consecutive win, Steward clarified that the footage was not filmed after the All Blacks Test at all.

“We actually filmed the dance on the Wednesday before the New Zealand Test, but [Tommy Freeman] took it upon itself to upload it after full time,” he said. “It looked like we were being idiots and being slightly arrogant, so I was a bit p**sed off with Freemo… The timing was slightly inappropriate, but we were just having a laugh.”

Steward explained the clip came from boredom during downtime in camp: “You wouldn’t believe how bored we get sometimes in camp… we were in the room and thought we’d just have a bit of fun – not intending it to go anywhere. Tommy thought he’d stitch us all up…”

Asked how long the routine took to perfect, he admitted: “More than you would believe… Probably my fault, I’m not the freest mover. A good 20 minutes, I think, a couple of takes.”

The fullback said he was stunned by the reaction: “I couldn’t believe it… It’s got something like 10 million views, which is mind-blowing. Hopefully good feedback.”

Though he joked he is not ready for Strictly Come Dancing, he noted the unexpected upside: “It’s stupid and it is silly but it is putting the game out there and hopefully it’s attracting – I’m not sure who it is attracting – but hopefully some new fans and the younger generation.”

Pressed on who devised the routine, his response was blunt: “Tommy Freeman. All the blame has to go to him.”

And as for a sequel? “Absolutely not… It’s one and done. I’m never getting involved again because he’s thrown me under the bus.” He added with a smile: “Who knows? [Henry Slade] was hid behind the corner filming the whole thing. I’m not sure he’s put it anywhere yet, but I’ll have a word with him.”