The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has thrown its full support behind England head coach Steve Borthwick, but the message is clear: improvement is non-negotiable after a Six Nations campaign that saw the team hit an all-time low.

England's 2024 Six Nations was one to forget. Their only win came in the opening round against Wales—who ended up finishing dead last—while defeats in all four remaining matches marked the team's worst performance since the tournament expanded from the Five Nations in 2000. For a squad with championship pedigree, this was a sobering reality check.

In response, the RFU conducted a thorough review, pinpointing a lack of discipline, accuracy, and cutting-edge execution as key areas of concern. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney emphasized that this wasn't about a single fix: "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." He also highlighted the team's youth and potential, noting, "This is a young England team that is still growing and developing, and we understand progress in international sport is rarely linear."

Despite the disappointing results, the review acknowledged that Borthwick's case was strengthened by England's impressive 12-game winning streak that preceded the Six Nations slump. The RFU concluded that the underperformance stemmed from multiple interconnected issues—such as discipline, missed opportunities, and failure to capitalize in key moments—rather than a single failure.

While the full details of England's shortcomings remain under wraps due to "performance confidentiality in a competitive sporting environment," the RFU has made it clear that Borthwick has a plan. With the Nations Championship and the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2027 on the horizon, the focus is now on turning these hard lessons into tangible results. As Sweeney put it, "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."

For England fans, the hope is that this review marks a turning point—a chance to rebuild, refocus, and return to the form that made them a force to be reckoned with. The road ahead won't be easy, but with the right adjustments, this young team could yet write a more successful chapter.