Rugby Union Mar 16, 2026

Steve Borthwick receives England player backing ahead of RFU review after disappointing Six Nations ends in France defeat

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Steve Borthwick receives England player backing ahead of RFU review after disappointing Six Nations ends in France defeat

England coach Steve Borthwick has received backing from one of his players ahead of a Rugby Football Union review despite his side's worst-ever performance in the Six Nations.

England finished fifth in the table following a , who were crowned champions in Paris on Saturday night.

The RFU reviews every campaign with an anonymous panel of internal and external individuals, including ex-players, but the pressure is on after England registered just one win, a , across five games despite high expectations.

But England hooker Jamie George praised Borthwick ahead of the review, and said the 46-year-old had the backing of the squad with its sights set on victory at the under his leadership.

The British and Irish Lions star said: "Steve is one of the best coaches I've ever worked under.

"Under Steve I think we will be right up there with the favourites to win the World Cup. We're a great team, a great group of players and he's the perfect person to take us there.

"He has been unbelievable for English rugby. It's crazy what has been happening over the last few weeks and he is absolutely the right man to lead us forward for a long time.

"That's because he's an English coach who cares so much about this game but he's also a very, very good coach who has created an excellent programme. When you combine that with a good group of players it's a recipe for success.

"It hasn't been where it has needed to be over the last few weeks, but the excellent thing about Steve is that we will have answers.

"The togetherness and how tight we have been over this period of time is the biggest indicator that the right people are in the room - players, staff, whoever."

In the review, Borthwick will be asked to provide explanations and solutions for the team's four-game losing streak.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney backed Borthwick after a 23-18 loss to Italy earlier this month but declined to look beyond the Nations Championship, which starts on July 3 in South Africa.

The review process is expected to last several weeks, with players and staff to be asked for their views on the collapse.

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Six Nations: France vs England - score, updates and analysis from tournament finale in Paris as Les Bleus retain title

Six Nations: France vs England - score, updates and analysis from tournament finale in Paris as Les Bleus retain title

Tudor to remain in charge against AtleticoTottenham head coach Igor Tudor will take Tuesday's pre-Atletico Madrid news conference....

Edwin Edogbo: Racist abuse will have marred Ireland debut, says Johnny Sexton

Edwin Edogbo: Racist abuse will have marred Ireland debut, says Johnny Sexton

Ireland coach Johnny Sexton says online abuse directed at debutant Edwin Edogbo will have marred a special day for him and his family.Munster second r...

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

The dates, fixtures and host cities have been revealed for Howden British & Irish Lions’ historic Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027. and will...

Maro Itoje: England rugby captain condemns racist abuse suffered by Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr

Maro Itoje: England rugby captain condemns racist abuse suffered by Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr

England captain Maro Itoje has criticised the "corrosive" effects of social media in response to the racial abuse faced by Ireland's Edwin Edogbo foll...

Jamie George: Former England captain to retire from rugby in 2027 after a final season with Saracens

Jamie George: Former England captain to retire from rugby in 2027 after a final season with Saracens

Former England captain Jamie George will retire from rugby in 2027 after signing a new one-year contract at Saracens.The 35-year-old, who has played o...

Ireland Rugby: IRFU investigating 'cowardly' racist abuse directed towards Edwin Edogbo after debut vs Italy

Ireland Rugby: IRFU investigating 'cowardly' racist abuse directed towards Edwin Edogbo after debut vs Italy

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is investigating racist abuse directed at Edwin Edogbo following his international debut.Munster second row Edog...