World Cup-winner Matt Dawson's decision to put a TV game show ahead of England training this week was "unacceptable", former England captain Nigel Melville said today.
Scrumhalf Dawson was dropped from the England training squad today after he chose to fulfil his commitments as a team captain on a television show rather than attend a training session.
He was axed by new England coach Andy Robinson - a move which has split opinion - but Gloucester coach Melville, who was made England captain on his international debut against Australia in 1984, came down firmly on the acting coach's side.
"I think Matt's decision not to attend England training this week is unacceptable," Melville told the Guardian newspaper. "Players ask to be released from an England session only if they have a serious personal problem or there has been a death in the family.
"I don't blame Andy Robinson at all; any self-respecting coach would have done the same. What message does it send out to the team if one of your most experienced players is allowed to do whatever he likes?
"Even David Beckham would not get away with that sort of thing. Matt has made his priorities quite clear, not just to his coach but to his fellow players and everyone involved in English rugby."
Dawson said on Monday that although he respected Robinson's decision he was disappointed and vowed to earn his place back.
Former All-Black Zinzan Brooke has backed the 31-year-old.
"I can understand where Andy Robinson is coming from. As he has just taken over as England coach on a temporary basis he is trying to show a bit of muscle," he said. "But I have to say my sympathies are with Matt because he had agreed to film the shows before the training sessions were arranged.
"I think at the moment England need someone like Matt Dawson because they're not blessed with that much experience. They have now lost six England captains since the World Cup and they need someone like Matt to cement the team because these are difficult times for England.
"I think the decision to drop him is a little bit dictatorial and it could have been managed better. I think they should have talked it out and come to a more sensible conclusion - it is an overreaction."