Bristol hit out at RFU over Steve Borthwick pursuit
Saturday 19 December 2015 18:33, UK
Bristol owner Steve Lansdown has accused the Rugby Football Union of being 'totally unprofessional' over their recruitment push for Steve Borthwick.
Borthwick was named as Eddie Jones' new forwards coach on Tuesday, only for Bristol to issue a statement insisting the former England coach was still under a long-term contract.
Lansdown has confirmed Bristol are in talks with the RFU about a compensation deal for Borthwick, but he also criticised English rugby's governing body.
"They think they can ride roughshod over everybody, but they are finding out they can't," Lansdown told the BBC.
"I can't believe that the governing body has acted in such a way.
"It is totally unprofessional. I don't think the RFU have covered themselves in any form of glory whatsoever.
"Our stance, from Steve Borthwick's point of view, is that it is a big career move and we don't want to stand in his way. But we want adequate compensation to allow him to go.
"We put in a lot of time and effort in recruiting Steve.
"He has been in a short period of time and made a big difference to us already and we have an eye on winning the (Championship) play-offs. We wanted him for that. We have aims and ambitions."
