England take on the USA in Washington DC on Saturday night fresh off the back of a 2-0 series victory in Argentina.
Norfolk-born star Van Poortvliet, 24, was the matchwinner in the second of those Tests as a dramatic last-gasp try extended England’s current winning streak to six matches.
Van Poortvliet and Steward, also 24 and from Norfolk, grew up playing rugby against each other and are both avid Norwich City fans away from the rugby field.
The bubbly duo have recruited several Tigers teammates to attend East Midlands away days with them and Van Poortvliet, who will start at scrum-half in the American capital this weekend, has revelled in the last few weeks alongside Steward and the rest of the squad.
“I’ve loved it – it’s my first time in America, so we’ve done lots of historical bits and museums, which were great and very cool,” said Steward, who met many members of the Norwich squad when they went to watch Tigers train two years ago.
“Argentina was great – I’ve never toured there before so it was amazing to explore different parts of it.
“It’s always nice touring but to top it off with two really good wins was amazing.
“To have a new experience of exploring a new county, touring and winning away has made this one of my favourite rugby experiences of my life.
“Me and Fred used to play each other before then both going to Leicester aged 13.
“Norfolk is my home and always will be – I grew up on a family farm there, so as soon as I finish my rugby career I’m going to be going back to Norfolk and carrying on with the farming there.
“And I’m still a massive Norwich fan – I don’t get back as much as I’d like so it’s quite good living in Leicester because there’s a lot of Championship football teams around there!”
Borthwick’s squad for the transatlantic trip has been diversely-assembled with many leading players away on The British & Irish Lions’ tour to Australia.
That has thrust Van Poortvliet, who has earned 20 England caps, into a newfound leadership role as many younger faces get their first taste of life on tour.
He has relished that responsibility and reckons camaraderie away from the pitch – including daily viewing sessions of Love Island – has helped the group connect.
“I’m there if people need to ask questions, and I can share my experiences,” he added.
“If they want anything from me I can give that – rugby wise my role hasn’t changed much but off the pitch, I’ve had a few more questions and probably been more of more help.
“The group have been amazing and such good fun – we’ve competed amazingly but enjoyed ourselves off the field as well.
“We started watching Love Island back in England – this season has been quite tasty so every night there’s about 10 of us crammed into one room!
“I was one of the early pioneers for it – we watch in Fred’s room as he’s got a VPN.
“It’s been great fun and very enjoyable.”
The match against the USA Eagles will be streamed live on RugbyPassTV and England Rugby’s YouTube channel.
