Hickie warns English clubs

Don’t expect any respect

Hickie is out of action for at least six months although he is making good progress following his heart-breaking Achilles tendon injury sustained against Australia and has given an absolute seal of approval to England's eventual victory in the tournament.

"England have been the best team in the world in the last couple of years at least and are now worthy World champions, but that doesn't really make their clubs any better than we are in Ireland, or those in France, Wales or Scotland.