I'll protect new boys, promises Borthwick

STEVE Borthwick has vowed to protect his Six Nations rookies from the social media trolls and insists there will be time for players to let their hair down in camp. 

- ADAM HATHAWAY

Borthwick takes his squad with seven uncapped players to Girona on Tuesday where they will train at the facilities owned by the local La Liga team ahead of the opener against Italy in Rome a week on Saturday.

The likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Chandler Cunningham-South, Oscar Beard and Ethan Roots are potentially set for their first taste of the Six Nations cauldron.

Owen Farrell has already stepped back from international rugby in the face of an online barrage before, during and after the World Cup, sounding a warning bell for the sport.

And Borthwick says there are plans in place for the new boys to be protected and there will be a chance for some R&R during the graft.

“The environment we create around the players is vital,” said the England head coach. “It’s vital in any team but especially the England team. The England team, as we all respect, has more scrutiny upon it than any other national team in world rugby. That’s the nature of it. So, creating an environment where the players are supported and cared for is really important. We want to improve again from where we were to where we are now and to try and get ahead of the societal element.