Billy Twelvetrees: ‘I’d rather be true to myself than play within myself’

Gloucester’s exuberant captain, intent on silencing his doubters against Bath, is relishing the pressure to win the hotly disputed England No12 shirt at next year’s World CupBilly Twelvetrees can feel the heat of competition even on a cold, grey morning in Gloucester. England’s inside-centre takes another sip from his steaming coffee and grins in cheerful acknowledgment that the most intense months of his rugby career have begun. The current scrutiny of Twelvetrees and his position at No12 is stark. But the 26-year-old is open and friendly whether addressing the demands of international rugby …