RFU Stands Firm Behind Borthwick as England's Six Nations Crisis Deepens
Steve Borthwick has received the full backing of Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney, despite England's dismal Six Nations campaign hitting a new low with a historic first-ever defeat to Italy. The 23-18 loss in Rome on Saturday marked England's third consecutive defeat, raising serious questions about the team's direction under Borthwick's leadership.
Players Shoulder Blame as Pressure Mounts on Coaching Staff
Maro Itoje, the England lock, has declared that the players themselves should be held accountable for the current crisis, rather than the coaching team. This comes as former internationals like Matt Dawson, Ben Youngs, and Ugo Monye have publicly criticised various aspects of Borthwick's regime, including tactical decisions, player selection, and perceived lack of leadership on the field.
Sweeney acknowledged the disappointment, stating: "After a 12-match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing and we feel that just as much as everyone else." He emphasised the RFU's commitment, adding: "Steve and his coaching team are working tirelessly to make improvements and we remain fully committed to supporting them and the players."
Investigation Promised Amid Worst-Ever Six Nations Threat
The RFU has promised a thorough investigation into the recent performances, with Sweeney vowing to analyse what has gone wrong. "Part of our support is being open about what hasn't gone right during this Six Nations," he explained. "We will work together to understand and rectify why we have been unable to meet the expectations and anticipation going into these games."
England's Six Nations campaign began promisingly with a crushing victory over Wales, extending their winning streak to 12 Tests. However, emphatic defeats by Scotland and Ireland destroyed their title ambitions, with the collapse against Italy representing a further indignity. Borthwick had previously declared his ambition for the title to be on the line against France in Paris, but a fifth-placed finish now appears increasingly likely.
If England loses to France this coming Saturday, it would register their worst-ever Six Nations performance, with just one victory from five matches. The RFU remains confident that the team can learn from this adversity, with Sweeney asserting: "England fans rightly expect a team that learns and grows through adversity and we're confident this group will do everything they can to deliver that."
