Imagine a rugby team so disciplined that breaking the rules means busting a move—literally. That’s the reality for England’s squad under Steve Borthwick, where fines for infractions come with a quirky twist: offenders must film themselves performing TikTok dances. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a fun team-building exercise or a public embarrassment waiting to happen? Let’s dive in.
In the wake of England’s thrilling 33-19 victory over New Zealand in the Quilter Nations Series, wing Tommy Freeman, sidelined by a hamstring injury, took to TikTok with teammates Fin Smith, Henry Pollock, and Freddie Steward. Together, they performed a synchronized dance routine set to Irish country music, captioned simply as ‘Post game feels.’ The video has since gone viral, racking up seven million views. But was this a joyful celebration or a cleverly disguised punishment? That’s the part most people miss—the fine line between fun and forfeiture.
Centre Henry Slade revealed the quartet spent ‘about 45 minutes’ perfecting their routine in his hotel room, a detail that raises questions about the team’s priorities post-match. Meanwhile, Elliot Daly, part of the team’s fines committee alongside Jamie George, confirmed that TikTok dances are a common penalty. ‘If you do something wrong, you do a TikTok video,’ he explained, though he added, ‘It doesn’t have to go on TikTok.’ But should it? Is this a harmless tradition or a risky PR move in the age of social media?
Steve Borthwick, the head coach, seems to appreciate the lighter side of things, even making a cameo in one video—though he insists it’s stayed within the team room. ‘There’s been a lot of laughter and a lot of very bad dancing,’ he admitted, praising Freeman and his teammates’ effort as ‘one of the better ones.’ But here’s the kicker: Borthwick’s own TikTok appearance has yet to see the light of day. Why? And does this double standard undermine the system’s fairness?
As England prepares to face Argentina on Sunday, 23 November, at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium (kick-off at 16:10 GMT), the stakes are high. The team is chasing an 11th straight victory to cap off 2025, but the real question lingers: Are these TikTok forfeits a brilliant bonding tool or a recipe for future controversy? Tune in via BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, or the BBC Sport website & app to catch the action—and maybe even a dance or two. But before you do, let’s spark a debate: Should professional athletes’ punishments be public entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!