Danny Cipriani launches attack on England Rugby after defeat to Ireland says organisation is ‘digging its own grave'

Danny Cipriani delivered a damning assessment of England Rugby’s failings in light of a sobering 29-10 defeat to Ireland on Saturday.

The former Red Rose fly-off vented his frustrations on Twitter amid the ongoing struggles of the national team.

Ireland's victory was as comfortable as many expected, after scoring five tries and had Billy Vunipola sent off.

He said on Twitter: "If you're trained to think and not to feel you're always going to be one step behind.

"English rugby is digging its own grave, led by people that do not understand the art of the game.

"It's steeped in tradition and heritage, which is outdated and the very thing shackling the game.

"It is all 'how tough can I show to the world I am?' Bravado. It will only ever bring a certain level of performance.”

England’s latest defeat increased the pressure on Steve Borthwick, who has overseen only three wins in eight matches since replacing Eddie Jones in December.

However, Cipriani was keen not to lay the blame solely with Borthwick and stressed the need for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to look outward for fresh ideas.

"It doesn't mean Borthwick isn't right for the job. He took over a very wooden system left by Eddie [Jones], which is a very tough job to get the players to unlearn what was ingrained in them."

"[England need] open discussions where coaches welcome new ideas that feel uncomfortable to them because it's the only way it will grow.”

Borthwick faces a series of challenges, with the latest being the suspension from Vunipola’s sending off, while the saga involving captain Owen Farrell continues to rumble on.

The skipper was omitted from the 23-man squad of the match, with fears that he could still face a ban, despite seeing his red card overturned in a 19-17 win over Wales.

An independent judicial committee (IJC) elected to overturn the decision, but this has subsequently appealed by World Rugby.

England play the final match of their summer series when they welcome Fiji to Twickenham on August 26, ahead of their World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9.

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