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England v New Zealand: Freddie Steward says hosts ‘desperate’ to beat All Blacks


The England squad were joined by British number one tennis player Emma Raducanu on Tuesday.

The 2021 US Open champion talked to the players about her preparation for high-profile matches and dealing with pressure, as well as watching training and taking part in a lineout drill.

Former England head coach Eddie Jones wrote to apologise to Raducanu in 2021 after using her as an example of distractions away from sport affecting young stars in an answer about an emerging Marcus Smith.

Raducanu did not take up an invite in Jones’ letter to watch England that autumn.

Borthwick, Jones’ successor, said he was “grateful” and “privileged” to have the benefit of 22-year-old Raducanu’s experience.

“To have elite sports people like Emma Raducanu visit, sharing with the players her experiences of preparation for sport and international competition at the very, very top level, it’s always a learning experience,” he said.

“The players enjoyed listening around as she was talking about the contrast with that individual preparation, the need to ensure that they’re physically getting everything right in their game.”


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