England Rugby Team Chooses to Avoid National Shirts in Argentina Ahead of Pumas Test

England’s rugby squad announced they will refrain from wearing national shirts during their upcoming matches in Argentina, ahead of the Nations Championship test against the Pumas in Santiago del Estero.

Steve Borthwick’s team will be in Buenos Aires for Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi‑final between England and Argentina.

The squad displayed England jerseys to back the football side during last Saturday’s World Cup quarter‑final against Norway, after lifting the rugby trophy in Liverpool earlier that day.

Lock Alex Coles told The Telegraph that, given the circumstances and the opposition, “we’ve decided it’s wise not to wear our English shirts excessively.”

Coles added that they wore the shirts all out in Liverpool and received a warmer welcome there than they might in Argentina.

He said he loves football and that many teammates share that passion, noting the excitement they felt watching the English side in a rooftop bar in Liverpool after the match.

Coles also highlighted that representing England in rugby fuels excitement, and that football’s World Cup fever is unparalleled.

England winger Tommy Freeman said the squad is prepared for an “angry” atmosphere when they face the Pumas on Saturday, contingent on England’s football performance in Atlanta.

He added, “We’ll see how hostile it gets. It’s a big situation for Argentina and us, and we’re ready for the challenge.”

Freeman explained that the Argentine fans are passionate and that the team expects fierce competition, but the squad is prepared to meet it head‑on.

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