Nick Easter: England Vs Italy exclusive Six Nations preview

Easter, who is heavily involved in coaching these days after 15 years at the top level, is adamant England need to rediscover their identity and re-engage with many frustrated supporters who last tasted Six Nations success in 2020. The Six Nations is the oldest tournament in rugby, it’s got too much history,” added Easter.

“When I came in [to the international team] I had a couple of senior players who pulled me aside and said ‘when you play for England you have to realise, however you analyse the opposition, they’ll give another 20-30 per cent because you’re English’. But you don’t cower in the face of that and think ‘oh my God’, instead that’s the challenge. That’s the challenge and what you have to embrace."

“The biggest challenge in international rugby is playing against the best players in the world and testing yourself against the best. When you play for England those players raise their game because it’s England. That’s not to disparage how they perform against other nations, but it just seems to be the case. Once you realise that then you can prepare properly."

“What England need is more of their best players, their biggest personalities to engage with the camera and the public. I think Jamie George can do that, first and foremost he’ll have a job to play very well, and make sure of his position in the team, that’s his number one priority."

“But outside of that, from a commercial point-of-view, from a re-connection point-of-view, his appointment makes a lot of sense.”