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.
