We'd put our bodies on the line for Stuart Lancaster, says Brad Barritt

Brad Barritt quickly reels off the names of coaches who have influenced him. Starting with those from his childhood in South Africa, he continues through Eddie Jones, the former Australia coach who brought him to Saracens, and Brendan Venter, who was hugely influential after he arrived.

But no coach has made the impression on him that Stuart Lancaster did when the England squad met at a steak house in Leeds before the Six Nations.

At the end of the meal, reveals Barritt: "Stuart presented each of us with a frame. Inside each one were messages from family, friends, and people who had been significant in our rugby lives. He had contacted my dad, my brother, even my high school rugby coach in South Africa. He'd asked them questions such as: what does it mean for your loved one to play for your country? What does the team need to do to win?"

Having played under Lancaster for the Saxons, England's second side, Barritt knew he liked the personal touch. Just before the 2009 Churchill Cup Final, Lancaster had sent a hand-written letter to each player wishing him luck. But this was new territory.