’Dad Strength’ lifting England to new heights

It is a sign of England’s growing maturity that the talk in the gym ahead of their game against New Zealand today has been of ‘Dad Strength’.

By that the players are not referring to who can lift the heaviest weight, but rather who can be practical with their strength; the ability to lift a car to change a tyre, or shift furniture rather than forwards. The reason for the discussion is that Dave Attwood became a father on Tuesday, adding to the baby boom that the team has enjoyed over the past year or so.

Danny Care, Joe Marler and Courtney Lawes have joined Tom Wood in becoming parents and the conversations amongst the team are of nappies rather than nights out.