Tennis star Emma Raducanu brought some Grand Slam flair to England’s rugby camp this week, spending time with Steve Borthwick’s squad as they gear up to face New Zealand.
The encounter, set at Twickenham, represents England’s attempt to secure their first win over the All Blacks since 2019.
Emma’s visit wasn’t just a brief appearance — she got hands-on, observing training and even joining in on drills with some of England’s top players.
A Lineout With Emma
Prop Fin Baxter shared the story with a mix of amusement and admiration:
“She watched training today and then we did a few bits after.
I think she did a bit of kicking with Marcus. Maro [Itoje]
was chatting to her, and then it was like, ‘Come on, Emma wants to do a lineout with you.’ She was very good and caught the ball.
It was a weird way to meet her for the first time, but it was cool to have her in.”
Baxter also reflected on the mental pressures that Emma faces as a top athlete.
“The amount of pressure she has to go under because of how successful she is is definitely something we can all learn from.”
George Ford Returns and Leadership Talk
Meanwhile, Borthwick has made a key call in his starting XV, recalling experienced fly-half George Ford to face the All Blacks.
Ford replaces Fin Smith, with Marcus Smith providing cover from the bench.
Borthwick spoke highly of Ford’s qualities, both on and off the pitch:
“George is a phenomenal player. Many years from now, I think he’s going to be a brilliant coach.
He’s got character, understanding, calmness, and leadership.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up as England head coach one day, if that’s the path he chooses.”
Tapping Into Outside Expertise
The England coaching team has also been seeking fresh insights, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler spending two days at the camp. Borthwick explained how sharing ideas with external experts strengthens the squad:
“There’s no doubt that playing against New Zealand, the team will have to dig very, very deep. This week is going to be about selflessness.
The players are going to have to give absolutely everything, and the performance has to be brilliant at the basics.”
Preparing for a Fierce Aerial Battle
With Freddie Steward returning at full-back and Tom Roebuck recovering to start on the wing, England’s back-three have been preparing for intense aerial battles.
Borthwick noted New Zealand’s kicking tendencies:
“What’s been clear is that in our last three games against them, New Zealand kicked a lot. Every game it was obvious.
Last year at Twickenham, the first thing we did was just go, ‘We’re kicking this ball.’ I’m interested to see if they stick to that strategy.
Studying the previous tests gives a clear picture of how Scott Robertson wants his team to play.”
A Week of Learning and Inspiration
From lineouts with Emma Raducanu to tactical preparations for the All Blacks, the England squad has been immersed in a week of hard work and fresh perspectives.
Borthwick emphasized the importance of selflessness, effort, and learning from other top performers:
“You see a team that plays with their heart.
Every training session and every drill is about pushing ourselves and thinking about the bigger picture.
It’s going to take everything the players have to deliver what we need against New Zealand.”
England’s clash with the All Blacks promises to be a high-stakes test of skill, resilience, and heart — with a surprising tennis star making sure the players remember that greatness comes in many forms.