RFU backs Steve Borthwick after Six Nations review

Steve Borthwick has been backed by the Rugby Football Union to remain as England head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup following a review into the team’s disappointing Six Nations campaign.

England finished fifth in this year’s Championship after winning just one match, prompting a formal assessment of what went wrong during the tournament.

Steve Borthwick Retained As England Head Coach

The RFU has now confirmed its support for Borthwick after completing an internal review into England’s poor Six Nations showing.

The process involved players, coaches and backroom staff, with the governing body deciding that Borthwick should remain in charge as England build towards the next World Cup in Australia.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the review had been thorough and honest, adding that the problems identified were not caused by one single issue.

"This has been a thorough and honest review and it’s clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said.

"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 the 2027 World Cup."

England Six Nations Review Finds Multiple Problems

According to the RFU, the review concluded that England’s struggles came from several connected performance areas rather than one clear failure. Among the concerns highlighted were discipline, poor execution of chances and an inability to manage key moments in matches.

The governing body did not publish the full findings, saying the competitive nature of international rugby limited how much detail could be made public. It did, however, acknowledge supporter frustration after England’s poor finish in the competition.

England Focus Turns To World Cup Build-Up

Borthwick will now continue in the role through the Nations Championship and the run of fixtures leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His contract is due to run until after the tournament in Australia, giving him time to respond to the review findings and attempt to rebuild confidence around the national team.