The Rugby Football Union has publicly backed Steve Borthwick to remain as England head coach through the summer, despite the team's first-ever Six Nations loss to Italy. Chief executive Bill Sweeney issued a statement expressing support for Borthwick and his coaching staff, though he stopped short of guaranteeing Borthwick's position through to the 2027 World Cup.
England's 23-18 defeat in Rome on Saturday extended their losing run to three matches, following losses to Scotland and Ireland. The team is now at risk of finishing bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time since 1983. Former players, including Austin Healey, have called for Borthwick's dismissal, citing a lack of attacking style and trust between players and coaches.
Sweeney acknowledged the disappointment, saying: 'After a 12-match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing... We remain fully committed to supporting them and the players as they face France this weekend and then look ahead to the Nations Championship.' He promised open dialogue to rectify the team's decline but made no mention of the World Cup in 18 months' time.
Captain Maro Itoje defended Borthwick, stating: 'Steve is definitely the right guy for the job. He's a fantastic coach... It's on us as players to be better.' Itoje's yellow card in the 63rd minute, England's eighth of the championship, reduced the team to 13 men and compounded their disciplinary woes.
England finish their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on Saturday before facing South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina in the summer Nations Championship. Borthwick's contract runs through to the 2027 World Cup, but the RFU's support appears conditional on improved results.
