The news that veteran prop Julian White has pulled out of England’s Rugby World Cup preparations poses a huge question over the squad’s commitment to the cause.

When Martin Johnson's leadership and Jonny Wilkinson’s boot fired England to the pinnacle of the international game in 2003, that success was achieved on total commitment to the cause - both in the build-up and the tournament itself.

Now the withdrawal of Leicester tighthead White, who would have been an automatic choice for this autumn's campaign in France, has posed major questions about the dedication of Brian Ashton’s current squad.

'If one of its pillars collapses before the tournament even starts, what does that say for the chances of the structure surviving even the first attempt to demolish it?'


If one of its pillars collapses before the tournament even starts, what does that say for the chances of the structure surviving even the first attempt to demolish it?

White, capped 44 times and a key part of last season’s Six Nations campaign, is opting out because he wants to spend more time with his family on his livestock farm, where I understand he has a flock of 120 ewes.

His explanation? ‘’I feel I cannot commit to the length of time the squad will be away from home this time. It has been a very difficult decision to make but, having discussed it at length with my family and also with (coach) Brian Ashton, I have decided not to make myself available for the World Cup in France.’’

The loss of White, 34,  will be a major blow to the England engine room as he had been a certainty for the squad after being involved in every one of England’s Six nations matches last season.

But it does beg the question: Would this have happened had England not been looking like also-rans as they prepare to defend their crown? I mean, could you imagine one of the 2003 squad pulling out of the trip to Australia to look after his sheep, pining kids or sick granny? It simply wouldn’t have happened - for one important reason. England were among the World Cup favourites and no player in his right mind would have wanted to miss out on such a fabulous chance of ultimate glory.

White was himself in that squad Down Under - and also played in all three Tests on the 2005 British Lions tour of New Zealand. I don't remember him having too many complaints about being away from his family and ewes then. Maybe it was because there was still plenty of sheep around, who knows?

Of course, England did go on to win the Webb Ellis Trophy four years ago - and earn then-coach Clive Woodward a knighthood in the process. We all know it turned sour after that and that the last four years have been a virtual nightmare, particularly for injury-plagued Wilkinson.

But four years ago, the togetherness of Johnson’s squad of world beaters, both in the build-up and during the tournament, was crucial to the team’s success.

Ashton’s 2007 squad are being given little chance against the might of New Zealand of South Africa - and the bookies are also likely to rank them behind Australia, France and Ireland.

The challenge across La Manche would have been hard enough with a united squad. But with White already out of the picture, the cracks are already beginning to show. And there's still two months to go before the tournament begins.