The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has affirmed its continued support for England head coach Steve Borthwick, despite the national team's recent Six Nations performance being described as their worst-ever in the tournament's history. England managed just a single victory in their five matches, a stark contrast to their initial billing as potential title challengers.
The campaign began with high expectations, but England's only win came against Italy in Rome, a match they secured 27-24. Subsequent fixtures saw them suffer defeats to Scotland (30-21), Ireland (32-15), and France (33-31), alongside a narrow 23-22 loss to Wales. This sequence of results left England in fourth place in the final standings, a significant drop from their pre-tournament aspirations.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the RFU initiated a comprehensive review of the campaign, a standard procedure after major competitions. This internal assessment involved detailed discussions with Borthwick and his coaching staff, as well as players, to understand the contributing factors to the team's performance. The review's findings ultimately led to the decision to maintain Borthwick in his role.
Borthwick, who took over from Eddie Jones in December 2022, is contracted with the RFU until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His tenure has been marked by a period of transition and rebuilding, with an emphasis on developing new talent and refining the team's playing style. The RFU's backing signals a commitment to this long-term vision, despite the immediate disappointment of the Six Nations.
Looking ahead, England's next major challenge will be their summer tour, which typically involves fixtures against Southern Hemisphere nations. This will provide Borthwick and his squad with an opportunity to implement changes identified during the review and build momentum towards future international competitions, including the next Rugby World Cup cycle.