RFU demands improvement from England head coach Borthwick after Six Nations disappointment

The Rugby Football Union has publicly backed Steve Borthwick as England head coach but has made clear that substantial improvements are required following the team's worst-ever Six Nations campaign.

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The RFU conducted a formal review of England's disappointing tournament performance, identifying multiple areas where the team fell short of expected standards. The findings have been communicated directly to Borthwick, who has been set clear targets for the future.

While maintaining confidence in Borthwick's ability to lead the team forward, the governing body emphasised the need for tangible progress ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The review process highlighted specific technical and strategic aspects requiring attention.

England's Six Nations campaign produced results well below the expectations of both the RFU and supporters. The poor showing led to internal discussions about the direction of the national team program and what changes might be necessary.

Borthwick, who took over as head coach in late 2022, has been given the opportunity to implement improvements identified during the review. The RFU's stance balances continued support with an explicit demand for better results on the field.