Statement: England make Steve Borthwick sack decision after review

Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at 11:17

byCharlie Elliott

The RFU has confirmed its position on Steve Borthwick’s future after England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign.

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England endured their worst Six Nations on record this year, managing just one win from five matches. Even before the tournament expanded in 2000, England had only lost four games in a single edition twice, in 1972 and 1976.

Borthwick’s team finished fifth in the 2026 standings, equalling the previous low finishes of 2018 and 2021.

Despite the results, England came close to disrupting France’s title celebrations in Paris in the final round. Thomas Ramos secured a dramatic 48-46 victory and the championship with a long-range penalty after the clock had gone red.

Following the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, the RFU, supported by independent external contributors, carried out a detailed and comprehensive review of the campaign, drawing on input from players, coaches and the wider support staff.

The process involved a series of in-person one-to-one discussions, allowing for open, constructive and sometimes challenging conversations.

These exchanges, along with additional insights, ensured the review was based on honesty and a clear assessment of where England fell short during the tournament.

The findings showed that, despite entering the competition on a 12-match winning streak, England’s underperformance was not caused by a single issue.

Instead, the review identified several interconnected areas requiring improvement, including discipline, taking chances and handling key moments, if the team is to consistently meet expectations.

While the need to protect performance details in an elite international environment limits what can be shared publicly, particularly regarding tactics and execution, the review made clear how the team aims to play.

The RFU acknowledged supporter frustration and the higher expectations, noting that this disappointment was also felt within the organisation and shaped the seriousness of the review process.

Head coach Steve Borthwick took part in the review with openness and thoroughness, and he and his coaching staff have already begun addressing the areas identified.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer.

“We’ve all seen what this England side is capable of - most recently in the performance against France, and during the strong winning run before that.

"That doesn’t disappear overnight. The challenge now is delivering that level consistently, and we are confident this group can do that, supported by the insight and feedback this review has surfaced.

“This is a young England team that is still growing and developing, and we understand progress in international sport is rarely linear.

“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 Rugby World Cup 2027.”

England predicted summer squad: Courtney Lawes recalled

The make-up of the squad underlines that reality—established Test figures anchoring the side, with a hungry crop of challengers circling, ready to turn opportunity into permanence.

England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)

England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:

South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026
Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026
Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026

This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.

Full Predicted England Squad

Props

Ellis Genge
Mako Vunipola
Fin Baxter
Joe Heyes
Asher Opoku-Fordjour
Afolabi Fasogbon

Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.

Hookers

Jamie George
Kepu Tuipulotu
Tom Dunn

Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.

Second Row

Courtney Lawes
Ollie Chessum
Maro Itoje
Alex Coles

Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.

Back Row

Guy Pepper
Henry Pollock
Chandler Cunningham-South
Ben Earl
Tom Curry
Greg Fisilau

Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.

Scrum-Halves

Alex Mitchell
Jack van Poortvliet
Archie McParland

Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.

Fly-Halves

Fin Smith
Marcus Smith
George Ford

Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.

Centres

Ollie Lawrence
Max Ojomoh
Joe Marchant
Seb Atkinson

Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.

Back Three

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Henry Arundell
Adam Radwan
George Furbank
Tommy Freeman
Tom Roebuck
Freddie Steward

Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.

Predicted England XV

Starting XV

Ellis Genge
Jamie George
Joe Heyes
Maro Itoje
Ollie Chessum
Courtney Lawes
Tom Curry
Ben Earl
Alex Mitchell
Fin Smith
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Ollie Lawrence
Joe Marchant
Tommy Freeman
George Furbank

You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!

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