RFU reaffirms Borthwick backing as England address discipline problems

The Rugby Football Union has reaffirmed its support for Steve Borthwick as England head coach, with chief executive Bill Sweeney indicating that November's results would not change plans for him to lead the team into next year's World Cup. The Independent reported that the commitment follows contract extensions keeping England's coaching staff in place until the summer of 2028.

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Sweeney acknowledged England's disappointing Six Nations but said the union continued to believe in Borthwick's work. According to The Independent, a review identified areas requiring action, and Sweeney said those findings had been followed up. He also pointed to England's performances against Fiji and Argentina after their 45-21 defeat by South Africa in July as reasons for encouragement.

Discipline remains a priority. BBC Sport reported that England received eight yellow cards and one red during their five Six Nations matches, spending 118 minutes with fewer than 15 players. They also finished the July defeat by South Africa with 13 men, while four second-half sin-binnings helped Argentina threaten a comeback in their subsequent meeting.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sweeney said internal analysis placed England second in the world when playing with a full side, but eighth or ninth when reduced to 14. Those figures were his assessment of the analysis, rather than a statement of England's official world ranking. He said Borthwick and the players were working extensively on reducing the disciplinary problems.

England also received encouraging news about Fin Smith. Press Association reported that the Northampton fly-half completed Wednesday's full training session without a setback after suffering a calf injury against Leicester on October 24. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth said the staff were optimistic about his availability, but needed to monitor his reaction over the following 24 hours.

Smith still has another training session on Friday to negotiate, and his participation against Australia is not confirmed. Borthwick is due to name his team that day. The 24-year-old has started England's last five Tests, according to Press Association, after regaining the starting fly-half role from George Ford during the final two rounds of the Six Nations.