RWC 2015: Tom Wood urges RFU to edit the ‘white noise’ out of Rugby World Cup review

Disaffected players dropped from England squad should not sway RFU in their review of Stuart Lancaster, says the England flanker

England flanker Tom Wood is willing to take on the captaincy if Chris Robshaw vacates the role (Getty Images)

England flanker Tom Wood has said the complaints of some disaffected players dropped from Stuart Lancaster’s World Cup squad must be filtered out of the contribution to the Rugby Football Union’s post-tournament review because their “white noise” will distort the way in which the coach is assessed.

The backlash against Lancaster’s regime yesterday saw sources close to Luther Burrell describe his devastation at being excluded to allow Sam Burgess’ inclusion. Burrell viewed Lancaster’s positive noises about him as a sign and even delayed his wedding.

But Wood was one of several players to launch a trenchant defence of Lancaster, in which he urged him to “come out fighting” as the RFU considers whether to sack him. Wood said squad leaders should coordinate the players’ feedback to the governing body to make it representative. He wants Lancaster’s review settled within two weeks.

“Some disgruntled players that didn’t play as much as others – you’ve got to filter out some of the nonsense and the white noise and the individual frustrations to make sure we get a group appraisal,” Wood said after England had ended with a 60-3 win over Uruguay at the City of Manchester Stadium.

If I was asked to do it for the benefit of the team then I’d consider it very carefully and probably front up

&#13; <p>Tom Wood, England</p>&#13;

“The feeling is that the leadership group and senior players will collect feedback from the rest of the group, probably in clubs and players groups. Sarries and Saints will conduct their own little brainstorm to give some concise feedback and a group opinion, rather than have 31 voices coming from everywhere, that can be a lot of white noise.”

Wood made it clear that he would be ready to take the captaincy held by Chris Robshaw if he was to be asked. “I’d try and do what’s right for the team,” he said. “If I was asked to do it for the benefit of the team then I’d consider it very carefully and probably front up. I haven’t been asked. I don’t resent that.

“Whatever you say about [Robshaw] as a player and whoever else you talk about, I’ve always backed Chris because he’s a good honest person who fronts up and gives his best for the team, day in, day out. You can’t ask more than that of an individual.”