Steve Borthwick receives England player backing ahead of RFU review after disappointing Six Nations ends in France defeat
Steve Borthwick's England side fell to a last-gasp 48-46 defeat to France in the final Six Nations' clash in Paris; ahead of a Rugby Football Union review, hooker Jamie George has given the head coach his backing
Sunday 15 March 2026 19:19, UK
England coach Steve Borthwick has received backing from one of his players ahead of a Rugby Football Union review despite his side's worst-ever performance in the Six Nations.
England finished fifth in the table following a last-gasp 48-46 defeat to France, who were crowned champions in Paris on Saturday night.
The RFU reviews every campaign with an anonymous panel of internal and external individuals, including ex-players, but the pressure is on after England registered just one win, a victory over Wales, across five games despite high expectations.
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But England hooker Jamie George praised Borthwick ahead of the review, and said the 46-year-old had the backing of the squad with its sights set on victory at the 2027 World Cup in Australia under his leadership.
'He has been unbelievable for English rugby'
The British and Irish Lions star said: "Steve is one of the best coaches I've ever worked under.
"Under Steve I think we will be right up there with the favourites to win the World Cup. We're a great team, a great group of players and he's the perfect person to take us there.
"He has been unbelievable for English rugby. It's crazy what has been happening over the last few weeks and he is absolutely the right man to lead us forward for a long time.
"That's because he's an English coach who cares so much about this game but he's also a very, very good coach who has created an excellent programme. When you combine that with a good group of players it's a recipe for success.
"It hasn't been where it has needed to be over the last few weeks, but the excellent thing about Steve is that we will have answers.
"The togetherness and how tight we have been over this period of time is the biggest indicator that the right people are in the room - players, staff, whoever."
In the review, Borthwick will be asked to provide explanations and solutions for the team's four-game losing streak.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney backed Borthwick after a 23-18 loss to Italy earlier this month but declined to look beyond the Nations Championship, which starts on July 3 in South Africa.
The review process is expected to last several weeks, with players and staff to be asked for their views on the collapse.
