Crossword Genius

Players without vigour, needing energy boosted? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

team

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'players' is the definition.
(sports team)

'without vigour needing energy boosted?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'energy' could be 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mc2) and 'e' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'tam' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for team that I've seen before include "Side; match" , "Crew" , "Squad; side" , "Cooperating group" , "People working together" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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