STEVE BORTHWICK GIVEN RFU BACKING AS PRESSURE BUILDS AMID DISMAL SIX NATIONS

Steve Borthwick has received the backing of Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney with Maro Itoje declaring it is the players who should be blamed for England’s crisis.

England sank to a third consecutive defeat and an historic first loss to Italy when they fell 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, asking serious questions about the team’s direction under Borthwick.

If they lose to France in Paris on Saturday, it will register their worst ever Six Nations performance of just one victory.

Sweeney, however, is remaining loyal to his embattled head coach.

He said: “After a 12-match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing and we feel that just as much as everyone else.”