Earl keeps faith in Borthwick plan after coaching departures

Ben Earl could be one of the elite England players to receive an 'enhanced contract'

Number eight Ben Earl admits he was left "sad and disappointed" by the upheaval in the England backroom set-up, but believes head coach Steve Borthwick has a succession plan in place.

In August, Felix Jones handed in his notice just seven months after taking as defence coach from Kevin Sinfield.

Strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters also left last month to take up a position as head of athletic performance with Ireland.

"They both have done unbelievably good work in the time they've been with the team," 26-year-old Earl told BBC 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly.

"You can see the growth in that team over the last 18 months to two years."

Former England coach Eddie Jones was criticised for his high turnover of assistant coaches, something Earl does not believe will be a problem with current head coach Steve Borthwick.

"There's been some negativity about that [Borthwick's management] in the media," Earl said.

"I guarantee you that is the furtherest from the truth as can be.

"He almost always seems like he's got a crystal ball, he knows these things are going to happen.

"He's got a plan in place to take the team forward and the way he has spoken to us as a group since the news has come out has been really positive, and I'm really looking forward to seeing where that team goes next.

"I can't wait to get back [playing for England] when the time comes and I know that we will have a great autumn."

Asked about possibly receiving one of the newly announced 'enhanced contracts', Earl said he remains desperate to play for his club side Saracens whenever possible.

Such contracts will give 25 elite England players a programme to help them peak for big international games.

This will give Borthwick more control over key players' fitness and conditioning.

"I have been with Saracens since I was 14-years-old. If there is any conversation about being managed, I still want to play for Saracens every week if I can," he added.