England rugby camp settled: Brown

Fullback Mike Brown admits the cathartic process of unburdening himself over England’s post-Rugby World Cup leaks has helped restore his faith in his teammates.

Brown reacted to the flood of negative stories that emerged in the wake of last autumn’s World Cup disaster by stating it would be difficult when the squad met up for the Six Nations as the trust has been “completely shot”.

New coach Eddie Jones revealed he would give the players some money and send them down the pub to settle their differences over a few drinks, but Brown insists that has not been necessary.

“I wasn’t happy after the World Cup. I was annoyed,” said Brown, whose feisty temperament has seen him dubbed Mr Angry by teammates.

“I got it off my chest. It’s always good to get things off your chest rather than keep it bottled up. It seems to have worked, to have resolved itself.

“As Eddie said it’s in the past. If there’s anything to sort out it will be done behind closed doors. But it’s all good. It’s all finished.”

Brown has backed the appointment of Dylan Hartley as captain but admits the fiery Northampton hooker, who has amassed 54 weeks worth of suspensions, is likely to be targeted by opponents.

“I’ve grown up playing alongside him since England Under-21s. He was a leader back then and he is now,” the Harlequins fullback said.

“Dylan leads from the front. He’s aggressive, he’s confrontational and he never takes a backward step.

“Will teams wind him up? Some would say the same about me I guess. They can try, I’m sure. I’m pretty positive he’ll be fine.”