England's Six Nations campaign ended in disappointment as they finished fifth with just one victory, a narrow win over Wales, and suffered a 48-46 defeat to France that marked their worst statistical performance in the tournament's history. Italy's win over England was their first ever against England, adding to the sense of crisis. Steve Borthwick's position as head coach is now under intense scrutiny, with multiple reports indicating his job is on the line.
The Rugby Football Union has moved to calm speculation about an immediate dismissal. According to RFU insiders, there will be no kneejerk reaction even if England are humiliated by France, and chief executive Bill Sweeney indicated that Borthwick is expected to lead the team in the summer Nations Championship pending a formal review. Sweeney said there will be a full examination of the Six Nations campaign after the final match, and he remains fully committed to supporting Borthwick and the coaching team. However, Sweeney also acknowledged there are no guarantees about Borthwick's future after the review, creating uncertainty about the head coach's long-term prospects. Sweeney also revealed there have been no approaches made to Andy Farrell.
We can go toe-to-toe with South Africa in July.
Borthwick, appointed in December 2022 after transforming Leicester Tigers from bottom to champions, guided England to within touching distance of the 2023 World Cup final. The team had five successive narrow defeats against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa in the second half of 2024, showing they can compete with top sides. Borthwick said he is the right man for the job and that the team will learn from the tough period. Captain Maro Itoje said the players, not the coaches, are responsible for the performances. Former England head coach Eddie Jones said it would be 'foolhardy' to dismiss Steve Borthwick and that Borthwick is the right man to coach England and the RFU should support him.
Despite this support, some pundits have called for Borthwick's removal. According to www.planetrugby.com, Stuart Barnes described that England's performance against France should not alter the question of whether Borthwick should stay or go, and he called on the RFU to sack Borthwick, specifically recommending Michael Cheika as a replacement. Andy Goode also urged the RFU to replace Borthwick with a former Wallabies head coach.
If Steve Borthwick remains head coach, England will be among the favourites for the 2027 World Cup.
Team selection has also drawn criticism. Marcus Smith has appeared off the bench for the fourth time in the tournament, including a six-minute cameo against Italy, raising questions about his usage. Borthwick made only one change to the team that lost to Italy for the match against France, suggesting a lack of adaptability.
Defence coach Joe El-Abd faces interest from Toulon to join their coaching staff, according to research. El-Abd turned down an approach from Brive after England's Autumn Nations Series and is under contract with the RFU until after the 2027 World Cup. His potential departure would be another blow to the coaching setup.
It would be foolhardy to dismiss Steve Borthwick.
In rugby league, Brian McDermott has been appointed as England men's rugby league head coach for the 2026 World Cup. McDermott will take the role on a part-time basis, in contrast to his full-time predecessor Shaun Wane. He was selected from a five-man shortlist including Brad Arthur, Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley and Steve McNamara. England's World Cup campaign begins against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.
McDermott said Jake Connor is central to his plans for the World Cup, and according to multiple reports, he appeared to attack the treatment of Jake Connor by predecessor Shaun Wane. McDermott also said England can win the World Cup.
Borthwick is the right man to coach England and the RFU should support him.
Jamie George expressed confidence in England's future, saying they can go toe-to-toe with South Africa in July. He believes England will be among the favourites for the 2027 World Cup if Borthwick remains head coach.
Several unknowns remain: the outcome of the RFU's formal review, whether Borthwick will stay for the summer Nations Championship, whether El-Abd will leave for Toulon, how England will perform in the summer, and whether Jake Connor will be selected for the rugby league World Cup squad.
Jake Connor is central to my plans for the World Cup.
England can win the World Cup.
I am the right man for the job and the team will learn from this tough period.
England's performance against France should not alter the question of whether Borthwick should stay or go.