"No empathy" - Ben Youngs on Steve Borthwick poor man management
Rugby NewsSaturday, 27 September 2025 at 20:25
Ben Youngs has praised Steve Borthwick’s tactical clarity but been outspoken about his lack of empathy as a coach.
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Reflecting on his time at Leicester, Youngs suggested that Borthwick’s focus on data and gameplans came at the expense of human connection.
For Youngs, that gap in communication shaped both his personal experience and his view of Borthwick’s leadership.
The omission
An extract published in the Guardian read: “I met Eddie for a coffee. He wanted to talk about how things were for Tiff and Tom (Youngs brother) and whether he could do anything to help.
"He wanted to know how I was doing emotionally. It was strange that my club coach, who I saw every day, never asked the same question. Unbelievable, actually. What sort of man management was that? What sort of basic human decency, even? I guess if it wasn’t written on a data sheet, Steve didn’t compute.”
The strengths
“You certainly don’t go into a game in any grey area. You know what your job is and what the gameplan is, and he’s very thorough. He’s a very good coach.”
The flaws
“There were obviously aspects of my game he wasn’t a fan of. I never got to the bottom of it because he’s not someone you could sit down and go: ‘What do I need to do?’ You don’t get that empathy, that dialogue.”
The future
“When you get the right people around him it’s possible… If they can get the balance within the coaching group right for 2027, England have a great chance.”
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Four Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV
The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.
Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard, it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby.
South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.
2025 World XV
1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)
The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)
Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)
Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.
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