LONDON • England's controversial high-intensity training camp was exactly what the team needed to cope with Test match rugby, vice-captain Mike Brown has said despite several players suffering injuries from it.

Coach Eddie Jones has been criticised for the three-day camp where Wasps flanker Sam Jones broke his leg, Bath's Anthony Watson suffered a broken jaw and Exeter winger Jack Nowell tore a quadricep muscle.

A handful of others were also injured in the camp that began on Oct 2.

"We need that intensity when we meet up because international rugby is a step up," Brown told British media.

"It's training and things happen. That's what we expect when we go to international camp."

The intensity of the camp created a rift with the players' clubs, with Premiership Rugby describing it as unnecessary.

Brown, however, said it was needed as the team look to internationals next month against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

When asked if the players were taken aback by the nature of the training camp, he added: "No, not at all.

"It was spot on, there were guys there for the first time who really put their hands up, and there were those who have been there the whole time (under Jones) that continued where we left off.

"It puts us in a good place in terms of our preparation for South Africa. We need to make sure the intensity is there, and that's the whole point of these camps.

"It's unlucky people got injured and hopefully they get back on the pitch as soon as possible."

REUTERS