Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield are fostering an open-forum England camp handing players new freedom of expression.
Head coach Borthwick and right-hand Sinfield have been at pains to set out their England stall as clarity, passion and loyalty.
In their first week of Test camp, the two lead coaches have afforded players the platform to challenge decisions and shape the team’s progress.
Northampton flanker Lewis Ludlam hailed England’s new open setup, which sits in contrast to the draconian peak of former boss Eddie Jones’ tenure.
“I feel like we’re given the opportunity to really learn,” said Ludlam. “We’re given the space to try things, to express ourselves, and the space to ask questions as well.
“I think a big part of taking on messages really quickly is that we’re comfortable to ask questions, because there’s no wrong question.
“So it’s been brilliant, to have that emotional connection to the England side, to have that level of detail and the level of comfort to go and ask questions and learn as well.”
Borthwick and Sinfield prized loyalty to each other and their players on fierce terms at Leicester, and are determined to transfer that tight-knit approach to the Test arena.
Ludlam revealed England’s players have struck up an immediate emotional bond with their new bosses, generating a buoyant mood ahead of the Six Nations kick-off.
England will host Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, February 4, with Ludlam insisting Borthwick’s side will never lack for heart and desire.
“When you get those two coaches who are both real, honest blokes, talking and saying they want a team that works for each other and fights for each other, that is a really exciting thing,” said Ludlam.
“That is something you really want to buy into and you can feel an emotional connection to invest in what they are coaching, and what the other boys want to do as well.”
