RFU release statement on Steve Borthwick following Italy loss
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Statement.
The Rugby Football Union have moved to publicly back Steve Borthwick and the England team after a disappointing Six Nations campaign, which has piled pressure on the head coach.
England’s historic defeat to Italy — their first ever loss to the Azzurri — intensified scrutiny on Borthwick’s position, with fans and pundits questioning the direction of the team following a string of disappointing results.
Despite the growing noise around his future, the RFU have now issued a statement making it clear they continue to support the current coaching setup and believe improvements will come.
The governing body acknowledged the frustration surrounding recent performances but stressed that the focus remains on backing the players and coaching group as they attempt to turn results around.
“After a 12-match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing, and we feel that just as much as everyone else,” said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.
“Steve and his coaching team are working tirelessly to make improvements, and we remain fully committed to supporting them and the players as they face France this weekend and then look ahead to the Nations Championship.
“Part of that support is being open about what hasn’t gone right during this Six Nations and making sure everyone has a clear sense of how we move through those challenges together. That’s something we’ll be talking through and working on in the days and weeks ahead.
“We will work together to understand and rectify why we have been unable to meet the expectations and anticipation going into these games.
“England fans rightly expect a team that learns and grows through adversity, and we’re confident this group will do everything they can to deliver that.”
England entered this year’s championship on the back of a strong run of form but have struggled to maintain that momentum against their Six Nations rivals. The defeat to Italy followed losses to Scotland and Ireland, leaving Borthwick’s side facing the prospect of finishing the tournament with just one victory.
For now at least, the message from English rugby’s governing body is clear: Borthwick retains their backing as England attempt to regroup and rebuild following one of the most turbulent Six Nations campaigns in recent memory.
