Maro Itoje has reaffirmed his support for Steve Borthwick, insisting England can achieve “special things” under his leadership despite an abject Six Nations.
England’s Six Nations campaign unravelled as they finished fifth after suffering four successive defeats, including a first-ever international loss to Italy.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be given this summer’s tour fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship to orchestrate a revival.
If Borthwick delivers a satisfactory return against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, he will be in a position to see his contract through to its expiry after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Itoje accepts England fell below expectations in the Six Nations having entered the tournament on an 11-Test winning run but has expressed his belief that Borthwick and his coaching staff can turn things around.
England captain Maro Itoje has faith Steve Borthwick is the man to lead post-Six Nations revival
England’s Six Nations results
“We believe in what we’re doing,” the England captain told Sky Sports at the Football Black List event.
“Steve is a great coach – Wiggy [Richard Wigglesworth], Kev [Kevin Sinfield], Joe [Joe Shaw], Lee [Lee Blackett] – all great coaches.
“We just need to get together as a team, learn the lessons and move positively forward.
“We weren’t as successful as we wanted to be, but how I felt at the beginning of the tournament doesn’t change now.
“I have a lot of faith, a lot of belief in this England team, and I think this England team is going to go on to do special things.
“It’s just about us learning the lessons and moving forward.”
England’s Nations Championship fixtures
- Round One: July 4 – South Africa vs England
- Round Two : July 11 – Fiji vs England
- Round Three: July 18 – Argentina vs England
- Round Four: November 8 – England vs Australia
- Round Five: November 14 – England vs Japan
- Round Six: November 21 – England vs New Zealand
