Rugby Union Apr 28, 2026

Maro Itoje says England can achieve special things under Steve Borthwick in public vote of confidence

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Maro Itoje says England can achieve special things under Steve Borthwick in public vote of confidence

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.

"We believe in what we're doing," the England captain told Your Site 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."

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.The 34-year-old made his Wales debut as a teenager in 2010 a...

Will British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje says 'it's about exploring new opportunities'

Will British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje says 'it's about exploring new opportunities'

Will the British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje admits there is "scope" to play games against Les Bleus in the future.The Britis...

Women's Six Nations 2026: Updates, scores, commentary as Red Roses cruised to an 84-7 win against Scotland at Murrayfield

Women's Six Nations 2026: Updates, scores, commentary as Red Roses cruised to an 84-7 win against Scotland at Murrayfield

Brentford to extend Jensen and Henry dealsBrentford intend to trigger the options in Mathias Jensen and Rico Henry's contract...

Women's Six Nations 2026: England vs Wales updates, scores, commentary from Ashton Gate

Women's Six Nations 2026: England vs Wales updates, scores, commentary from Ashton Gate

Brentford to extend Jensen and Henry dealsBrentford intend to trigger the options in Mathias Jensen and Rico Henry's contract...

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North to retire from rugby at end of season, 16 years after making international debut

Wales great George North has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.The 34-year-old made his Wales debut as a teenager in 2010 a...

Champions Cup: Bath edge out Northampton 43-41 in epic clash as Henry Pollock yellow carded

Champions Cup: Bath edge out Northampton 43-41 in epic clash as Henry Pollock yellow carded

Northampton were denied an Investec Champions Cup semi-final spot for the third successive season after Bath won an all-time tournament classic 43-41...