Six Nations: RFU hit back in launch row

The Rugby Football Union tonight hit back over criticism of England’s no-show at this week’s Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship launch.

Neither England boss Clive Woodward nor captain Martin Johnson attended the gathering at a Buckinghamshire country club last Monday.

England sent along their injured prop Phil Vickery instead, prompting criticism from Six Nations committee chairman Allan Hosie, whose anger was also directed at Wales for not sending either coach Graham Henry or captain Scott Quinnell.

Both England and Wales held squad training sessions on Monday in preparation for their opening Six Nations games next weekend.

The RFU has now written to the Six Nations committee, expressing disappointment about comments made.

‘‘We did not wish to make any formal statement on this matter until we had written to the Six Nations committee,’’ said RFU management board chairman Graeme Cattermole.

‘‘However, we were very disappointed to hear of the comments at the launch. The implied criticism of the England head coach and captain was not justified.

‘‘The reported comments did not reflect the facts relating to our participation in the event, and we have objected strongly to them.

‘‘The letter contains the accurate chain of events leading up to January 21, and we are asking for the matter to be placed on the agenda at the next Six Nations committee meeting in February.

‘‘Lloyds TSB have been a great Six Nations and England rugby sponsor, and our aim in future is that such events be properly planned and organised on a collective basis, so that the best outcome is reached for all parties.’’