Rugby Union Apr 18, 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

Joe Launchbury: Harlequins' former England second row to retire at end of season having won 70 international caps

Joe Launchbury: Harlequins' former England second row to retire at end of season having won 70 international caps

Former England lock Joe Launchbury will retire at the end of the season.The 35-year-old was capped 70 times by his country between 2012 and 2022, winn...

England 33-12 Ireland: Red Roses beat Ireland in front of record Women's Six Nations crowd

England 33-12 Ireland: Red Roses beat Ireland in front of record Women's Six Nations crowd

England began their title defence with a 33-12 win over Ireland in front of a record Women's Six Nations crowd.Hooker Amy Cokayne's try and two scores...

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

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 N...

Women's Six Nations: England score 12 tries in 84-7 demolition of Scotland at Murrayfield

Women's Six Nations: England score 12 tries in 84-7 demolition of Scotland at Murrayfield

England ran in 12 tries in an 84-7 routing of Scotland in the second round of the Women's Six Nations at Murrayfield.Due to a raft of injuries, Englan...

Champions Cup: Toulon crush Glasgow's hopes of reaching first Champions Cup semi-final in 22-19 win over  hosts

Champions Cup: Toulon crush Glasgow's hopes of reaching first Champions Cup semi-final in 22-19 win over hosts

Glasgow Warriors' dream of reaching their first-ever Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment as they were beaten 22-19 by RC Toulon...

Ellie Kildunne: England World Cup winner reveals struggle with body dysmorphia - 'I ended up having terrible relationship with food'

Ellie Kildunne: England World Cup winner reveals struggle with body dysmorphia - 'I ended up having terrible relationship with food'

England rugby star Ellie Kildunne has revealed her struggle with body dysmorphia that developed during the coronavirus lockdown in 2020.Kildunne score...