Steve Borthwick: RFU backs England coach despite ‘hugely disappointing’ run

Steve Borthwick’s boss has given the England coach his backing, but says there will be a full examination of the woeful Six Nations campaign after the team’s final-round match against France on Saturday.

England are fifth in the table and well out of the title running after successive defeats by Scotland, Ireland and Italy – which was the first ever loss to the Azzurri – ruined their ambitions and prompted questions over Borthwick’s future.

“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 Rugby Football Union 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.”

Borthwick defended his record and the direction of the team after Italy, who had lost their previous 32 games against England, ran out 23-18 winners in Rome.

“Absolutely,” replied the 46-year-old when asked if he was the right man for the job.

“Right now this is a tough period, but what we will do is learn from it and make sure we are stronger going forward.

“It is tough right now and we are not hiding away from the fact it is tough.”

More to follow.