RFU backs beleaguered Borthwick after Italy debacle but stop short of World Cup pledge

Defeat in Rome was England’s third in succession as a 12-game winning run turns into a distant memory with no mention of next year’s World Cup in statement

TOUGH TIMES: England head coach Steve Borthwick.

The Rugby Football Union has backed Steve Borthwick to continue as England head coach for the summer’s Nations Championship fixtures despite a desperate losing run but the chief executive, Bill Sweeney, stopped short of pledging his support through to next year’s World Cup.

Borthwick is under intense scrutiny after England’s first defeat by Italy on Saturday extended their losing streak to three following miserable losses to Scotland and Ireland, with the former wing and Guardian columnist Ugo Monye among those questioning the head coach’s position. England are on course for their worst Six Nations and begin their summer Nations Championship fixtures with a daunting trip to South Africa.