Coach Eddie Jones pleased to put smiles on people’s faces as England wrap up third Six Nations title of his reign

A 34-5 bonus-point victory over Italy in Rome saw England replace Wales as champions but it was only upon their return to their training base in Teddington on Sunday morning that they were awarded a trophy they last held in 2017. Coronavirus protocols meant the presentation took place within the squad’s bubble, limiting those present to players, coaches and staff.

“It was fantastic. Obviously it’s not the same, everything is a bit different now. The players walked to the stage, there were fireworks,” Eddie Jones said.

“Owen got to be (World Rugby chairman) Bill Beaumont and put the medals around the players’ necks!

“All the paper goes off and the fireworks go off.

“The players enjoy that solitary moment and then we’re back to business.

“There were 40 or 50 people there and they had big smiles on their faces and hopefully we can do a bit more of that.”

England shook off the rust after seven months of inactivity caused by the coronavirus pandemic to dismantle Italy, but to be crowned champions of Europe they still needed events at the Stade de France to go their way.

Having returned to the team hotel in Rome, everyone gathered to watch the final part of ‘Super Saturday’ and the festivities could start once Ireland had been defeated 35-27.

The players now have a break from international duty until Thursday when they will begin preparations for the Autumn Nations Cup opener against Georgia on November 14.

Jones has repeatedly championed the need to give the country reason to cheer amid the coronavirus crisis by delivering on the pitch and England’s head coach knows the spotlight is upon his squad.

A week ago, the planned warm-up against the Barbarians had to be cancelled after 13 of the invitational club’s players breached Covid-19 rules by going out on successive nights in London.

“We’ve got to be cognoscente of the fact that everyone is looking at what we’re doing. We’re got to be so grateful for this opportunity,” Jones said.

“We’re so lucky to be able to play international rugby when countries are in lockdown around Europe. All of our players are aware of their responsibilities, as are the staff.

“We understand that responsibility and we want to make sure again that we try to put smiles on people’s faces.

“We’ve started the autumn well, but there’s still a fair bit to go. It starts again in two weeks against Georgia, but I’m really proud of the players’ efforts.

“I really like the way the team conducted themselves during this tournament. They got on with the job, not looked for any sort of excuse, regardless of what’s happened, and played good, tough hard rugby, which you have to do to win a Six Nations.

“The Six Nations is one of the toughest competitions in the world to win because it’s such a competitive, physical contest and you’ve got to be at your best every game.

“You have Ireland and Wales consistently in the top five in the world. We’ve been there or thereabouts and now France are bouncing back from a bottom 10 side to a top five side.

“So what does that give you? A pretty strong competition. You’ve got four very good teams. Scotland are improving and Italy under Franco Smith are definitely going to get better.

“The Six Nations is only going to get better and better and stronger and stronger.”

As well as a winner’s medal, Ben Youngs was presented with a gold cap and watch by his England team-mates after celebrating his entry into the ranks of Test centurions by scoring two tries in the win.

Shortly after becoming only the second Englishman to win 100 caps after Jason Leonard, Youngs was honoured by his team-mates in the changing room at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Leicester scrum-half scored in each half but it was his brilliantly-taken second 56 seconds after half-time that propelled Jones’ men out of sight.

“I was very kindly given a gold cap, like a trophy, and an amazing watch from all the boys which was engraved.

“It was an incredible touch and something that I wasn’t expecting,” Youngs said. “It was a great presentation from Eddie and Owen (Farrell) and I will now reflect and enjoy this moment.

“Jamie George won his 50th cap and there were debuts for Jonny Hill, Ollie Thorley, Ollie Lawrence and Tom Dunn. The boys are in high spirits and we will enjoy each other’s company.”

Youngs made his debut in 2010 and has been England’s first choice scrum-half for virtually the entire decade since. Still only 31-year-old, Jones has set him the challenge of reaching 150 caps.

“I’m up for it, absolutely. All the hard work allows me to get the privilege to run out on a Saturday and that will never change - I will be back out on Monday on the grind,”

“This is a great milestone, but certainly not one that will make me take my foot off the gas. I love being part of this group, it’s exciting times.

“For me this week has been about focusing on my performance and fulfilling my role. I wanted to limit the distractions.

“I have had some unbelievable messages from people getting in touch - from ex-players, team-mates and guys I have played against from other countries for years.

“That means the most to me as they know how hard it is to achieve it and getting that recognition from those boys means a lot.”

Jones paid tribute to Youngs after England shook off their rustiness induced by a seven-month break for coronavirus to power out of sight in the second half, extending their winning sequence over Italy to an unblemished 27 wins.

“It’s always nice for a player to play well in their 100th game,” Jones said.

“He scored a couple of nice tries, one a beautiful traditional half-back try backing up the centre of the field and another off some good go-forward ball.

“He’ll feel good about this game, the whole team feels good about him getting to 100 caps and now we want him to go on and get to 150. It’s a massive achievement and we’re so proud of him.”

George, Tom Curry and Henry Slade also crossed in a comprehensive win before the start of the Autumn Nations Cup, which will be played out while the UK is in lockdown.

“We certainly tried to play with a lot of passion and intent. I hope the fans at home enjoyed the game and feel a little bit better about themselves because we’re going to go through another tough period, aren’t we?” Jones said.

“We have to make sure we do everything we can to help society.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.