Steve Borthwick: RFU backs England boss but calls for improvement

Head coach Steve Borthwick has been backed to overhaul England’s form after a Rugby Football Union review blamed a lack of discipline, accuracy and cutting standards, among other factors, on a disastrous Six Nations campaign.

England’s only win was an opening defeat to Wales and they finished bottom of the table.

It was England’s only four defeats since the tournament expanded to five nations in 2000.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “This is a thorough and honest assessment, and it is clear that progress can be made by looking at a number of areas rather than chasing one simple answer.”

“This is a young England team that is still developing and developing, and we understand that progress in international sport is not always straightforward.

“Steve has been involved in this process with full transparency and has laid out clear plans to address these findings.

“We are all behind him and his coaching staff in the series leading up to the Nations Championship and Rugby World Cup 2027.”

An anonymous review of England’s performance by the rugby team, which interviews coaches and players, is standard practice after the Six Nations campaign.

However, Sweeney Received earlier This year’s “extraordinary result” should be explored further.

The RFU’s “performance confidentiality in a competitive sporting environment” prevents them from revealing the full details of England’s shortcomings.

However, Borthwick’s case was strengthened when he revealed their arrival in several areas, with England’s years-long winning streak coming together immediately before their form.

Despite finishing on a 12-match winning streak, England’s underperformance in the Six Nations was not the result of a single failure or problem.

“Instead, he highlighted the inter-related areas of performance, such as discipline, taking chances and capitalizing on key moments, that require improvement if England are to consistently perform at the level expected.”

“We understand why the fans are frustrated and expect more. That frustration is shared internally and underlies the concern everyone involved in this process.

“England head coach Steve Borthwick has engaged faithfully and robustly in the review and he and his coaching staff are already addressing the issues identified.”