Nobody is defending Gareth Hock, because nobody knows he has done. Anyone with half a brain would refrain from publically slating somebody (whether that be Gareth Hock or anybody else) without knowing anything about the situation.

For what it's worth, if Hock is guilty of some of the accusations thrown at him on here then I would have just dropped him from the remainder of the tournament and kept it out of the media. If he wasnt selected at all, would anybody have questioned it? I doubt it. To issue a statement citing "serious breaches of team discipline" sums England's management up to a tee, amatuerish.

I'm really worried about Saturday now.

It's not a question of defending, it's a question of actually knowing facts. You can't really cast a judgmental eye over something if you don't know exactly what went on. 'Druggy Hock' also shows a lack of restraint with your current attitude.

Apparently social media forced their hand on that one so you're being a bit unfair. From what i've heard the original intention was to keep it quiet.

That being said, the vague statement does nothing to quell the speculation so perhaps they could have been a bit more specific.

Time for the funniest hashtag of all time to resurface on Twitter:

#HockRumours

The rumours I've heard involve an illegal substance, a netball player, a hotel room and copious amounts of alcohol.

That's right, Hock's been booted out of camp 3 days before the first game for nothing. Just because Macnamara thought it would be a good laugh. Get a grip.

Hock feels treated unfairly and says he wasn't the only one to break the rules

Perhaps McNamara realises that he is totally out of his depth coaching at this level and knows England hasn’t a hope in hell of winning the World Cup. Could this be a premeditated media manoeuvre to create a smokescreen to hide behind when it all goes predictably belly up?

Until he holds his hands up and accepts responsibility for HIMSELF he'll never get anywhere.

thats always his excuse, he needs to man up and start taking responsibility for him self.

doubt it we are already the underdogs its the only excuse we need.

Very true

Is the tin foil hat working?

Just showed part of an interview with him on BBC North West today. Full interview to be shown later on the 6:30 show