The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed its support for Steve Borthwick to continue as England head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, following a comprehensive review of the team's disappointing Six Nations campaign. England, who entered the tournament as title contenders, managed only a single victory and suffered a historic first defeat to Italy, finishing fifth in the standings.
Review Findings and Commitment
The RFU's statement described the review as "thorough and honest," concluding that the underperformance was not due to any single failure but rather multiple interconnected areas requiring improvement. These include discipline, execution of opportunities, and capitalising on key moments. The governing body acknowledged fan frustration and internal disappointment, emphasising the seriousness with which the review was conducted.
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney expressed renewed confidence in Borthwick, citing the team's encouraging performance against France in the final round, despite the loss. "We've all seen what this England side is capable of," Sweeney said. "The challenge now is delivering that level consistently." He noted that the team is young and still developing, with progress rarely linear in international sport.
Upcoming Fixtures
England return to action in July for the inaugural Nations Championship, with matches against South Africa in Johannesburg, Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Argentina in Santiago del Estero. Borthwick has clear plans to address the review's findings, and the RFU is fully behind him and his coaching team as they prepare for the road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
