Statement: RFU Break Silence on Steve Borthwick’s Future

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Following a strong period that included a 12-match winning run, England’s recent downturn has sparked frustration among supporters and raised questions about the direction of the national team during the current Six Nations campaign.

In response, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney released a statement acknowledging the disappointing results while reaffirming the union’s support for Borthwick and his coaching staff.

“After a 12 match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing, and we feel that just as much as everyone else,” Sweeney said.

Despite the difficult run of form, the RFU insists the current coaching setup retains its backing as England prepare for a crucial clash against France this weekend before turning attention to the upcoming Nations Championship.

“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,” Sweeney added.

The RFU chief also emphasised the importance of transparency in addressing the team’s shortcomings during this year’s Six Nations.

“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.”

Sweeney acknowledged that expectations surrounding the England team remain high and said the union will conduct a thorough review to identify where improvements must be made.

“We will work together to understand and rectify why we have been unable to meet the expectations and anticipation going into these games,” he said.

Despite the recent setbacks, the RFU believes the current squad has the resilience to respond positively.

“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.”

With the Rugby World Cup drawing closer, the performance raises serious questions about England’s direction under Borthwick. Once again they lacked control, composure and attacking clarity when the match began to turn.

Here are five England players who endured a difficult afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico.

Underhill was handed a late opportunity after Tom Curry suffered an injury in the warm-up, and he immediately brought his trademark physicality to England’s defence.

His relentless tackling allowed England to challenge fiercely at the breakdown, and he quickly became one of the side’s most active defenders. In fact, he finished level with Maro Itoje as England’s leading tackler with 13.

For much of the contest, the flanker looked determined to prove he deserved a starting place. However, the defining moment of his afternoon came midway through the second half when he was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Danilo Fischetti.

With Underhill and Itoje both off the field at the same time, England’s defensive structure collapsed and Italy seized control of the game. It was a costly mistake on what had otherwise been a committed display.

Fin Smith’s return to the starting line-up began nervously.

The fly-half was charged down by Niccolò Cannone early in the match and later conceded a penalty for going off his feet, moments that hinted at a lack of early composure.

Despite that shaky start, Smith produced a moment of genuine class before half-time. His perfectly judged cross-field kick allowed Tom Roebuck to score and gave England the advantage at the interval.

However, as the second half progressed and England began to lose their grip on the contest, Smith struggled to dictate play. The team needed a calm hand to manage territory and tempo, but the control never materialised.

While there were flashes of quality, he ultimately failed to take command of the match when England needed it most.

Itoje was far more involved than he has been in previous rounds of the tournament.

The England captain produced several dominant tackles and won a key turnover early in the second half. His relentless work at the breakdown briefly helped relieve pressure as Italy pushed forward.

But the momentum swung dramatically around the hour mark. After England conceded a penalty, Itoje was shown a yellow card for knocking the ball out of Alessandro Fusco’s hands — a decision that sparked debate but proved hugely damaging.

With England reduced further, the contest quickly slipped away from them.

Former England international Austin Healey voiced his frustration on X, writing:
“Sorry that’s unforgivable from your captain.”

Itoje’s defensive contributions were notable, but the costly card overshadowed his efforts.

Alex Coles had moments of quality but also contributed to England’s continued inconsistency.

The lock produced a superb floated pass that allowed Tommy Freeman to score England’s opening try, showing impressive handling skills for a forward.

He also carried responsibility in the line-out following England’s struggles in that area against Ireland. While there were some positive moments, the set-piece still lacked fluidity and often looked disjointed.

Earlier in the match England wasted a promising attacking opportunity when Coles mishandled the ball during a driving maul, another sign of their continuing issues inside the opposition 22.

It was a mixed performance that never quite reached the level England needed.

Seb Atkinson was making his first appearance of the Championship and faced the difficult task of helping spark an England attack that has struggled throughout the tournament.

The Gloucester centre never fully clicked with fly-half Fin Smith, with several passages highlighting a lack of understanding between the pair.

Atkinson looked slightly rusty early on, throwing a couple of loose passes and later attempting a speculative offload to his former clubmate that resulted in a turnover.

While he showed enthusiasm and willingness to get involved, the challenge of revitalising England’s backline proved too much.

Up against Italy’s powerful Tommaso Menoncello, Atkinson often found himself second best on his Six Nations debut.

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