Alex Dombrandt has revealed that he chose to distance himself from social media following severe criticism directed towards him and England’s Six Nations campaign.
The Harlequins No 8 was a regular starter for the national team throughout the 2023 championship, which concluded at the end of last month.
However, due to Steve Borthwick’s side’s disappointing performance, Dombrandt was subjected to a relentless online backlash.
He told the Mail Online: “Yeah, it’s never nice to lose. I loved playing for my country, it was a huge honour and privilege. It’s a shame about a couple of results but I enjoyed the experience.
On the social media abuse, he added: “I try and ignore it really.
“Unfortunately, when things don’t go well for you personally or as a team, there’s always someone who has something to say about it.
“I guess you have to take that at the level we play at, surround yourself with good people, ask for advice from the people around you and try to ignore the negativity that doesn’t concern you.”
Dombrandt confirmed that he had deleted his Twitter account, saying: ‘I didn’t need it in my life I guess.’
5 England stars of the last decade who have totally fallen off the radar
They were once considered the future of England, but these five players have slid a long, long way from Eddie Jones reckoning.
The fortunes of most rugby players, even those considered among the best in their country, tend to wax and wane.
Very few are able to perform at a consistently high level for years on end as leading figures on the domestic and international scene. All sorts of factors can intervene to mean they fade from view.
These five England rugby internationals from the last decade are still active, but nowhere near consideration…
#1. BEN MORGAN
The Gloucester powerhouse has previously featured in Jones’ training squads, but he has not won an England cap since 2015.
Given he is behind Billy Vunipola, Sam Simmonds, Alex Dombrandt and probably Eddie Jones dog in the number eight pecking order, it seems the 33-year-old’s international career is well and truly over.
Great player at his best, but like many, hampered by injury.
Where is he now? Still with Gloucester
DID YOU KNOW? He had been due to qualify for Wales (having lived there for three years) in time for the 2012 Six Nations Championship
