Steve Borthwick backed by RFU to remain as England head coach following 'robust' review after Six Nations display

The review comes on the back of a dismal Six Nations campaign that saw England win just one match against Wales, who finished bottom of the table.

It was England’s worst performance at the tournament since it was expanded in 2000.

But the RFU has chosen to keep faith with Borthwick and his coaching staff, concluding that "England’s underperformance across the Six Nations was not the result of a singular failure or issue".

The statement, released on Tuesday, continued: "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.

"While performance confidentiality in a competitive international sporting environment limits the level of detail that can be shared publicly - particularly around game strategy and execution - the way in which the team aspires to play was clear throughout the review.

"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.

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

RFU chief executive officer Bill Sweeney said that from the "thorough and honest review, it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer".

He added: ”We’ve all seen what this England side is capable of - most recently in the performance against France, and during the strong winning run before that.

"That doesn’t disappear overnight. The challenge now is delivering that level consistently, and we are confident this group can do that, supported by the insight and feedback this review has surfaced. 

”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. 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.”

Borthwick, who made 57 appearances for England during his playing days, has led the national side since 2022, when he replaced Eddie Jones.

He has won 26 of his 42 games in charge - a win percentage of 61.9%.

Borthwick led England to the World Cup in 2023, finishing in third place after a slim semi-final defeat to eventual winners South Africa.

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