Maro Itoje has reiterated his backing for England head coach Steve Borthwick, insisting the side can still achieve "special things" despite a disastrous Six Nations campaign. England finished fifth after four straight defeats, including a historic first‑ever loss to Italy.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Football Black List event, the England captain said, "We believe in what we're doing. Steve is a great coach – Wiggy, Kev, Joe, Lee – all great coaches." He added, "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."
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed Borthwick will be handed the summer tour fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship, where England will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July. A satisfactory performance on that tour could see Borthwick's contract extended beyond its current expiry after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The final Six Nations table shows France on top with 20 points, followed by Ireland on 19, Scotland 16, Italy 9, England 8 and Wales 6. England's record reads one win, four losses, a points difference of +2 and a total of eight points.
Itoje acknowledged the team fell short of expectations but emphasized the need to learn from the setbacks and move forward together.
The most striking element is how quickly the England captain shifted from disappointment to optimism, a stance that could galvanise a squad still reeling from a historic low.
Borthwick's upcoming Nations Championship tour offers a practical test; success against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina will not only determine his contract extension but also provide a tangible platform to rebuild confidence and refine tactics before the 2027 World Cup.
For Nigerian rugby enthusiasts, England's revival matters because the team's form influences the broader international calendar, including high‑profile matches against African nations such as South Africa and Fiji, which attract considerable viewership in Nigeria.
The next key moment will be England's opening fixture of the July tour, a chance to gauge whether the promised "special things" can materialise on the field.
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