Gym work destroying technique, says Shaw

ENGLAND lock Simon Shaw believes the drive for rugby players to become bigger and stronger has seen skill sacrificed and “gym monkeys” emerge.

Shaw insists the sport is suffering from the emphasis on size over technique as England prepare for their autumn schedule without six certain starters – all lost to injury.

The absentees include an entire front row and an alarming number of shoulder injuries, reigniting the debate over player welfare that raged during a brutal Lions tour to South Africa just four months ago.