The Leicester full-back insists a good heart-to-heart with Kevin Sinfield helped lift his spirit and morale following a series of setbacks.
Steward, 23, has been fully focused and working hard during England’s training camp preparations for the forthcoming tour to Japan and New Zealand.
But he is grateful to rugby league great and top coach Sinfield for being something of an emotional “crutch” after the agonising World Cup semi-final loss followed by being dropped by Steve Borthwick mid-way through the Six Nations.
Tigers’ failed Premiership campaign also increased his woes while seeing George Furbank flourish in the England jersey ahead of him, left him facing something of a cross-roads.
England, with Borthwick deciding a much more open and attacking style was needed to develop his team, rounded off with a fine win over Ireland and strong performance in France.
Now, Steward needs to recover the head coach’s vote of confidence again and is thankful to Sinfield, below, for his wise words of advice. He admits: "It was a difficult time for me... a real challenge. The whole season was a challenge.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 09, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 09, 2024-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
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Trinity aim to get the culture right
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YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
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Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
