RFU Backs Steve Borthwick Despite England Six Nations Struggles

Published: 05 May 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that head coach Steve Borthwick will remain in charge of the England men’s team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite a disappointing Six Nations campaign that saw the team suffer four defeats.

The decision follows what the governing body described as a “detailed and robust review” of England’s performance. Despite widespread criticism after one of the team’s worst championship results in decades, the RFU has opted for continuity rather than change, expressing confidence that Borthwick and his coaching staff can improve results over time.

England’s Six Nations campaign exposed several weaknesses, including inconsistency, poor discipline and missed scoring opportunities. It was the team’s worst performance in the tournament in 50 years, raising questions about leadership and long-term strategy. However, RFU leadership concluded that the problems were not the result of a single failure but rather a combination of interconnected issues.

Bill Sweeney defended the decision to retain the current coaching team, stating that improvement would come from addressing multiple areas rather than seeking a single solution. He pointed to moments of strong performance, including a competitive display against France and a previous winning run, as evidence that the squad has potential.

Sweeney emphasised that England remain a developing team with a young core of players still gaining international experience. He said that progress in elite sport is rarely linear and expressed confidence that the coaching staff have clear plans to address the issues identified in the review.

The RFU confirmed that the review process included input from independent rugby experts, as well as detailed interviews with players, coaches and support staff. While full findings have not been made public, officials said some information was withheld to avoid giving strategic advantages to rival international teams.

Despite the poor results, the governing body said it believes the team is capable of performing at a much higher level. It acknowledged fan frustration but stressed that internal disappointment had also been significant, reflecting the seriousness with which the campaign has been assessed.

Speculation had grown that Borthwick’s position could depend on England’s upcoming international fixtures. However, the RFU confirmed that he will remain in charge for the next 18 months, including the Nations Championship and preparations for the 2027 tournament in Australia.

England’s upcoming schedule includes matches against top-tier opposition, beginning with South Africa in Johannesburg, followed by Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero. These games are expected to provide a major test of the team’s progress and the effectiveness of the current coaching strategy.

The RFU has previously shown willingness to make major coaching changes ahead of World Cups, including the dismissal of former head coach Eddie Jones before the 2023 tournament. However, this time the organisation has chosen stability over disruption.

The decision signals that the RFU is taking a longer-term approach to rebuilding England’s competitiveness in international rugby. Officials believe that continuity in leadership will allow players to develop consistency and better execution under pressure.

Supporters, however, remain divided. While some accept the need for patience during a rebuilding phase, others argue that repeated underperformance at major tournaments requires stronger action. The debate reflects broader concerns about England’s ability to compete consistently with the world’s leading rugby nations.

As preparations continue for the next phase of international fixtures, attention will now turn to whether Borthwick can translate backing from the RFU into improved results on the field. The pressure will remain high, but for now, the governing body has made its position clear: stability is the chosen path forward.