Borthwick delivers reminder to referee about Ireland's breakdown tactics

The English head coach had a message for experienced New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe

England head coach Steve Borthwick at the launch of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship at the Colosseum in Rome. Pic: Dan Sheridan, Inpho

Steve Borthwick has put discipline at the top of the agenda ahead of England’s Guinness Six Nations clash with defending champions Ireland in Dublin this Saturday.

The English head coach is insisting his players keep their concentration and accuracy in order to successfully repel Ireland’s multi-phase attack but he has also issued a subtle warning to match referee Ben O’Keeffe regarding Ireland’s breakdown defence tactics ahead of the opening-round showdown at Aviva Stadium.