RFU backs Borthwick but flags multiple Six Nations failings

Breaking news from the world of sport: RFU backs Borthwick but flags multiple Six Nations failings Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Steve Borthwick was appointed in December 2022, taking over from Eddie Jones, and led England to the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals By Mike Henson Sport rugby union news reporter Published 15 minutes ago Head coach Steve Borthwick has been backed to turn around England's form after a Rugby Football Union review blamed a lack of discipline, accuracy and cutting edge, among other factors, for a dismal Six Nations campaign. England's only victory was an opening-round rout of Wales, who would go on to finish bottom of the table. Defeats in their other four games constituted England's worst performance since the tournament's expansion from the Five Nations in 2000.

"This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney. "This is a young England team that is still growing and developing, and we understand progress in international sport is rarely linear. "Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings.

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"We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into Rugby World Cup 2027. " A dissection of England's performance, carried out by an unnamed panel of rugby figures who interview coaches and players, is standard practice after a Six Nations campaign. However Sweeney previously admitted that this year's would have to delve deeper into an "unusual outcome".

The RFU says "performance confidentiality in a competitive sporting environment" prevents them revealing full details of England's shortcomings. However, it did say they came in multiple areas, while adding that Borthwick's case was strengthened by the year-long winning streak England compiled immediately before their dip in form. "The review concluded that, despite coming off a 12-game winning run, England's underperformance across the Six Nations was not the result of a singular failure or issue," it said.

"Instead, it highlighted a number of interconnected performance areas, such as discipline, execution of opportunities and making the most of key moments, where improvement is required if England are to consistently perform at the level expected. "We recognise why supporters felt frustrated and that they expected more. That disappointment was shared internally, and it underpinned the seriousness with which everyone engaged in this process.

"England head coach Steve Borthwick has engaged in the review with honesty and rigour, and he and his coaching team are already addressing issues identified.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.