England concluded their Six Nations campaign with a 48-46 loss to France in Paris, marking their fourth straight defeat and leaving them in fifth place with only a single victory against Wales. This represents England's worst-ever Six Nations campaign in statistical terms, compounded by their first loss to Italy in the tournament's history. The Rugby Football Union is now conducting a review into this disappointing performance, with chief executive Bill Sweeney acknowledging the unmet expectations. Sweeney stated that no one was more disappointed than the RFU in the Six Nations, noting there was high expectation after a strong run and that the campaign did not go as expected.
Steve Borthwick's job is under scrutiny as the RFU review proceeds, though Sweeney has provided strong indications that Borthwick will lead England in the summer Nations Championship fixtures pending the review outcome. The RFU issued a statement in Sweeney's name backing Borthwick after the loss to Italy, and the most likely outcome of the review is changes or additions to Borthwick's backroom team. RFU insiders insist there will be no kneejerk reaction if England are humiliated by France. The exact timeline and outcome of the formal review remain unclear, as does whether Borthwick will definitely remain as head coach beyond the summer fixtures.
I think so. Our set-piece is in a great spot. South Africa haven't played for 10 months. It's very difficult for us to comment on where they're at, but they are world-class. They're the best team in the world. Playing them in Johannesburg is a difficult place to play them. But what an amazing opportunity that we've got with a great group of players. And we're going to be excited about that one. We haven't played them in a while. I can't wait. I wish it was next week.
England's players have publicly backed Steve Borthwick, with hooker Jamie George offering strong support. According to The Guardian - Main UK, Jamie George described Borthwick as one of the best coaches he has ever worked under and the perfect person to lead England to the 2027 World Cup. Former England head coach Eddie Jones has also cautioned against dismissing Borthwick. According to The Independent - Main, Eddie Jones described such a move as foolhardy and stated that Borthwick has done a good job with England, though he noted the team is still struggling to find its identity.
Tactical approach and selection decisions have come under scrutiny during the campaign. Steve Borthwick made only one change to the team that lost to Italy for the match against France, maintaining a risk-averse strategy focused on defense and kicking. England's players talked about doubling down on their kicking strategies after losing to Italy. Fly-half Marcus Smith has appeared off the bench in all his Six Nations appearances this year, including a six-minute cameo against Italy, raising questions about why he is consistently left out of the starting lineup despite his reputation as an electric playmaker.
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 in 2027. 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.
Despite the loss to France, England showed some positives by scoring seven tries and edging France's scrum in their match. According to The Guardian - Main UK, Jamie George described the set-piece as being in a great spot and expressed excitement about upcoming fixtures, though he acknowledged the challenge of facing South Africa in Johannesburg. These performances offer glimmers of hope amid the broader campaign struggles.
The RFU has taken a measured response, with Sweeney emphasizing support for the coaching team. He stated that the outcome should ensure the right support mechanisms are in place to address issues and support Steve Borthwick going forward. The RFU has made no approaches to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, whose contract expires after the 2027 World Cup. Sweeney noted that Farrell is under contract to the 2027 World Cup and that the RFU is not in dialogue with him, with the primary focus being to support the current coaching team. England's summer Nations Championship fixtures are against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, providing an immediate test for the team.
Steve's done a good job with England. There is no doubt that they had a bad tournament, so he will need to show to the RFU that he knows why he has had a bad tournament, he knows how he is going to turn it around and I am sure he can do that.
In a separate development, the Rugby Football League is seeking a replacement for former England rugby league head coach Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January, nine months before the Rugby League World Cup. A replacement will be announced within the next few weeks. The role will be part-time and initially cover just this year's World Cup. RFL chair Nigel Wood stated that they are entering a crucial time to secure the right person to lead England's men's team into the upcoming World Cup, with applications from a wide range of world-class coaches. The identity of the new coach remains unknown.
I think (Borthwick) is the right man to coach England and I think they (RFU) should support him through this. Maybe he has got a few things wrong and they will need to help him rectify those errors, but they would be foolhardy to change.
I think they are still struggling to find (their identity). I think Steve knows how he wants to play and I think there is probably an internal battle going on within the players.
We are entering a crucial time as we bid to secure the right person to lead England's men's team into the upcoming World Cup. We have had applications and enquiries from a wide range of world-class coaches, from both here and in the NRL.