Ollie Lawrence has reflected on his relationship with Eddie Jones, revealing that he once questioned why the former England coach was so tough on him but now recognizes that it was a formative experience in his career. Lawrence, who earned his first cap under Jones in 2020, struggled to make a significant impact on the international stage despite strong performances for Worcester. However, Jones’s criticism of Lawrence’s attitude in his book, where he described the centre as not “hungry or disciplined enough,” was a turning point for him.
At the time, Lawrence found Jones’s tough love difficult to accept, feeling frustrated and questioning why the coach seemed so focused on his shortcomings. However, with the benefit of hindsight, Lawrence has come to appreciate the challenge. “I’ll always be grateful to Eddie because he gave me my first cap playing for England,” he said. “There was a point in my career where he challenged me on my attitude and whether I was working hard enough to warrant being in the squad.” Lawrence admits that at the time, he didn’t fully understand why Jones was so hard on him but now recognizes it was what he needed to hear to push himself further.
His initial frustration stemmed from coming into the England squad at a young age, having enjoyed success at Worcester. The sudden transition to international rugby, with its higher demands and intense competition, made it clear that Lawrence had to raise his game. Looking back, he acknowledges that Jones was trying to push him to reach his potential, and he believes that lesson helped shape the player he is today.
Jones’s coaching style has come under scrutiny in recent years, with former players, including Danny Care, describing the environment under his leadership as toxic and likening it to “living in a dictatorship.” Despite this, Lawrence’s experience suggests that the challenging environment was pivotal in his development. Although he initially felt like he was being unfairly targeted, he now sees it as an important catalyst for his growth as a professional.
When Steve Borthwick took over as England head coach, Lawrence’s fortunes changed. He became an integral part of the team, playing a key role in the 2023 Six Nations and being named Premiership Player of the Year for his exceptional form with Bath. Under Borthwick, Lawrence has started nine consecutive Tests, forming a vital partnership with Henry Slade in the midfield. This progression highlights the shift in his career, from being an overlooked player under Jones to one of England’s most consistent performers.
Lawrence’s comments reflect his belief in the value of hard feedback and tough coaching, which contrasts with the more negative perspectives on Jones’s methods. While some may see his approach as overly harsh, Lawrence credits Jones with instilling a level of discipline and mental toughness that he now applies to his game.
England’s current challenges, including a five-match losing streak, have highlighted the need for improvement, especially in terms of fitness. Lawrence supports Borthwick’s assessment that the team’s conditioning needs to improve, understanding the significant difference between Premiership and Test rugby. “The transition from Premiership to Test rugby is a huge difference,” he said, acknowledging that the team must continue to raise its level to compete effectively on the international stage.
In their most recent defeat to South Africa, England found themselves in a position to win but faltered in the final quarter. Key moments, such as a costly error from Luke Cowan-Dickie during a lineout, played a significant role in their loss. Lawrence, like the rest of the team, is focused on bouncing back from these setbacks. Despite the disappointment, he remains optimistic about their potential and is committed to working on the areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of fitness and consistency in high-pressure situations.
