Overview
- RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the union remains fully committed to Steve Borthwick and his staff as England prepare for France and then the Nations Championship.
- Sweeney pledged open reviews in the coming days and weeks to understand why expectations were not met and to set a clear plan to address shortcomings.
- England have lost to Scotland, Ireland and Italy and could record their worst Six Nations finish, with only one win possible unless they upset title-chasing France in Paris.
- Italy beat England 23-18 in Rome after England led 18-10, with yellow cards to Sam Underhill and captain Maro Itoje preceding a run of 13 unanswered Italian points for a first win in 32 meetings.
- Borthwick insisted he is the right man to lead the team, while captain Maro Itoje and No 8 Ben Earl said the players must take responsibility, and some reports framed the RFU’s backing as extending at least through the summer Nations Championship.