Why Steve Borthwick Still Leads England Despite Six Nations Struggles

By VirentaNews Staff — May 05, 2026

England head coach Steve Borthwick will remain in charge of the national team following a comprehensive review by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after a winless 2024 Six Nations campaign. While England failed to secure a single victory—losing narrowly to Ireland, France, Scotland, and Wales, and drawing with Italy—the RFU concluded that underlying performance indicators, player development, and strategic direction justify continued investment in Borthwick’s leadership. The decision reflects a deliberate shift away from knee-jerk reactions, emphasizing structural stability and long-term growth over immediate results, even amid growing public and media scrutiny.

Six Nations Performance: A Statistical Reality Check

England’s 2024 Six Nations campaign was their worst in over three decades, finishing without a win for the first time since 1984. They lost four matches by an average margin of just 5.5 points, including a 27–25 defeat to Ireland and a controversial 20–14 loss to France where a disallowed try sparked debate. Their draw against Italy, ranked ninth globally, was particularly damning—only the second time England had failed to beat Italy in the tournament’s history. Despite this, the RFU’s internal data highlighted improvements in set-piece execution, with an 87% lineout success rate and 100% scrum retention. Possession stats showed England averaged 52% territory share per game, yet they converted just 38% of their scoring opportunities, underscoring inefficiency in the final third. According to BBC Sport, England made more offloads and clean breaks than in 2023, suggesting tactical evolution, albeit inconsistently applied.

Key Players and Institutional Support

Steve Borthwick, appointed in December 2022 after coaching Bath and serving as forwards coach under Eddie Jones, has maintained strong backing from RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney and performance director Tom Ilmanen. Sweeney has emphasized continuity, citing Borthwick’s role in rebuilding team culture and integrating younger players like Cadan Murley, Tommy Freeman, and Ollie Lawrence. Senior figures within the RFU argue that Borthwick’s meticulous, data-driven approach—contrasted with Jones’s more confrontational style—aligns with a modernized high-performance framework. Meanwhile, opposition has emerged from former players, including ex-captain Will Carling, who publicly called for Borthwick’s dismissal, arguing the team lacks identity and on-field leadership. However, current captain Owen Farrell, in his final international season, has voiced support, stating the squad remains united behind the coaching staff. The RFU has also retained attack coach Richard Wigglesworth and defense specialist Anthony Seibold, signaling stability across the backroom team.

Strategic Trade-Offs: Stability Versus Results

The RFU’s decision to retain Borthwick reflects a calculated risk prioritizing long-term development over short-term wins. On one hand, continuity allows for the full implementation of a new playing philosophy, deeper squad integration, and sustained investment in emerging talent—critical with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the horizon. The union’s high-performance strategy, launched in 2023, explicitly targets sustained global competitiveness by 2025, not immediate tournament success. On the other hand, the lack of victories risks eroding fan confidence, sponsor engagement, and player morale. England’s world ranking has slipped to eighth, its lowest in a decade, and ticket sales for summer Tests showed a 12% decline year-on-year, per Reuters analysis. Moreover, failure to improve could jeopardize the RFU’s broader commercial goals, including broadcast rights negotiations set for 2025. The trade-off, therefore, is between patience for structural reform and accountability for on-field outcomes.

Why Now: The Timing of the RFU’s Decision

The timing of the RFU’s endorsement is significant, coming just weeks before England’s summer tour to Australia—a three-Test series that could serve as a pivotal benchmark for Borthwick’s progress. With Owen Farrell and Jonny May set to retire from international rugby after the tour, the RFU is under pressure to ensure a smooth transition to a new generation. The review process, conducted over four weeks by an independent panel including former executives and performance analysts, was fast-tracked to provide clarity before squad selection. The decision also coincides with the finalization of the 2025 fixture calendar and internal budget allocations, meaning a coaching change now would have disrupted planning cycles. By confirming Borthwick’s position early, the RFU aims to eliminate distractions and focus on rebuilding momentum ahead of the Autumn Internationals and the 2025 Six Nations.

Where We Go From Here

Looking ahead, three scenarios could unfold over the next 6–12 months. First, a modest improvement—winning two of three Tests in Australia and securing two victories in the 2025 Six Nations—could solidify Borthwick’s position and validate the RFU’s patience. Second, continued underperformance, particularly losses to tier-two nations or another winless Six Nations, may force a mid-cycle change despite current assurances. Third, a strong showing in Australia could trigger internal momentum, accelerating player development and attracting high-profile support, positioning England as a dark horse for the 2027 World Cup. The outcome will hinge on Borthwick’s ability to translate process into points and whether the RFU’s long-term vision can withstand short-term pressure.

Bottom line — while England’s 2024 Six Nations was undeniably disappointing, the RFU’s decision to retain Steve Borthwick reflects a strategic commitment to structural reform over reactionary change, betting that sustained leadership will yield long-term success on the global stage.

Source: Sky Sports