Duncan Bech

Ben Earl has called for the Nations Championship format to be reconsidered after England played three Tests across three continents on successive weekends. England completed a 25,000-mile July tour with a victory over Argentina, but players faced sleep deprivation, reduced training time and repeated long-haul travel. Earl suggested staging the tournament in one country to create a festival atmosphere and reduce the physical burden, particularly for players already coming off a long season and recent British and Irish Lions commitments.

Fin Smith says England must eliminate recurring discipline problems after accumulating 15 yellow cards in eight Tests, including four in the win against Argentina. Despite frequently playing with reduced numbers, England secured two victories in the opening phase of the Nations Championship. Smith emphasises the need for better decision-making, improved defensive management in their own 22, and personal responsibility. He also stresses that England should aim to win every match given the expectations surrounding the national side.

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a “lack of respect” after leaving his press conference when music and celebrations from England’s changing room continued next door. England won 31–24 in Santiago del Estero after leading 19–3 at half-time and surviving two Argentina comebacks. Argentina appeared to score a try through Bautista Delguy in the third minute of overtime, but video referee Brett Cronan ruled it out because the ball was grounded on the sideline following a decisive tackle by Henry Slade. England played nine minutes with 13 men after four players were sin-binned, but coach Steve Borthwick praised the team’s resilience and dismissed questions about their disciplinary record.

England defeated Argentina 31–24 in a heated Nations Championship match in Santiago del Estero, surviving four yellow cards, nine minutes with 13 players and a late video-review scare. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s 69th-minute solo try proved decisive, while Ben Earl scored twice and Marcus Smith also crossed. Argentina threatened a comeback through Mateo Carreras, a penalty try and a late Justo Piccardo score, but a potential Bautista Delguy try was ruled out after review, allowing England to hold on.

England secured a 31-24 win over Argentina after a tense overtime review, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s decisive try and strong individual performances offsetting repeated disciplinary issues. Four yellow cards left England shorthanded for key periods, allowing Argentina to mount a second-half challenge, including a penalty try. Late defensive efforts and a disallowed potential equalising score preserved England’s narrow victory in a heated match in Santiago del Estero.

England captain Jamie George says he may lead his team off the pitch if players face racial abuse during the upcoming match against Argentina. His warning follows racist taunts directed at Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Chandler Cunningham-South during England’s victory in San Juan the previous year, an incident World Rugby confirmed as racial discrimination. George says the squad has discussed response protocols, including alerting the referee and potentially taking stronger action, while consulting affected and mixed-heritage teammates. He also describes the fixture as an increasingly intense rivalry.

England have changed hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid potential disruption if Argentina win the World Cup, after celebrations outside their original hotel caused fireworks, noise and security concerns. The team will travel to Santiago del Estero to face Argentina before returning to a hotel near the airport. England coach Steve Borthwick said the squad experienced the celebrations positively despite a difficult night’s sleep and defended Henry Pollock after footage showed him gesturing toward Argentine supporters. Pollock remains on the bench, with Ben Earl and Guy Pepper retaining their starting places.

Henry Pollock will not start for England against Argentina despite scoring a hat-trick in a 32-minute appearance against Fiji. Steve Borthwick has retained an unchanged starting XV, keeping Ben Earl at number eight and preserving the midfield pairing of Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade. Changes are limited to the replacements, with Ben Spencer replacing the injured Alex Mitchell, Emmanuel Iyogun replacing George Kloska, and Noah Caluori in line for his second cap. England enter the final match of their July tour with five wins over Argentina under Borthwick, following a defeat by South Africa and an 11-try victory over Fiji.

England’s rugby squad is avoiding national kit in public while staying in Buenos Aires due to heightened anti-English sentiment driven by Argentina’s World Cup football campaign. Players expect potential hostility depending on the semi-final outcome and are exercising caution. Team members describe normal preparations for their upcoming Nations Championship match, with comments highlighting admiration for England’s football team and its players.

England’s rugby players are avoiding wearing national team shirts in public while in Buenos Aires, amid concerns about possible hostility from Argentinian fans if England defeats Argentina in their football World Cup semi-final. Tommy Freeman described the upcoming rugby match against Argentina as potentially difficult, while Alex Coles backed the team’s cautious approach. England will remain in Buenos Aires until Thursday before travelling to Santiago del Estero for the final match of their July tour.

England rugby players in Buenos Aires are avoiding team-branded clothing due to rising tensions ahead of England’s football World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Tommy Freeman warns that an England win could lead to a hostile atmosphere during their upcoming rugby match in Santiago del Estero. Despite no need for additional security, players remain cautious while moving around the city. Alex Coles describes the squad’s efforts to stay low‑profile and reflects on insights gained from meetings with football manager Thomas Tuchel, praising the work ethic and quality of several England footballers.

England flanker Guy Pepper believes Argentina’s passionate, football-style home support can be silenced if England control and outscore the Pumas in Saturday’s one-off match in Santiago del Estero. Pepper, along with Seb Atkinson, Alex Coles and Joe Heyes, benefited from the 2025 Argentina tour during a British and Irish Lions year, gaining experience while senior players were absent. England are not treating the match as an experiment after winning only one of their last six Tests, but the development of their younger players has strengthened the squad. The team is also preparing for possible travel disruption if Argentina’s football team reaches the World Cup final.

England ended a five-Test losing streak by defeating Fiji 73-8 in an 11-try Nations Championship rout. Henry Pollock scored a hat-trick, while debutants Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori also crossed the line. England dominated through their scrum and maul, with Fin Smith starring at fly-half and earning man-of-the-match honours. Fiji’s task was made harder when Simione Kuruvoli was sent off for kicking Ellis Genge. England now travel to Argentina, where they face a significantly tougher test.

England captain Jamie George has backed 19-year-old Saracens wing Noah Caluori to make an immediate impact when he debuts against Fiji. George praised Caluori’s exceptional aerial ability while acknowledging that the teenager is still developing. England enter the match after five consecutive Test defeats, including a heavy loss to South Africa, but George believes their improved performance during the middle portion of that match offers grounds for optimism ahead of fixtures against Fiji and Argentina.

England recalled Tom Roebuck for upcoming Nations Championship matches after George Furbank was sidelined by an appendix operation amid a series of injuries. Freddie Steward is expected to return from an ankle issue, while Cadan Murley's shoulder injury remains under review. Alex Mitchell is fit again after hamstring problems. England aim to halt a five‑match losing streak following a competitive but decisive defeat to South Africa.

England suffered a fifth straight Test defeat, losing 45–21 to South Africa in Johannesburg after two late yellow cards left them with 13 players. Captain Jamie George acknowledged that repeated indiscipline had cost the team, while coach Steve Borthwick defended Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper and said the young squad would learn from facing the world champions. England will next play Fiji, but full-back George Furbank will miss the remainder of the tour after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

South Africa defeated England 45-21 in a Nations Championship match at Ellis Park, overpowering an England team that suffered early defensive lapses and finished the contest with two players in the sin-bin. England fought back briefly through tries from Ellis Genge, George Martin and Alex Coles, but the world champions reasserted control with a series of second-half scores. The result marked England’s fifth consecutive Test loss and intensified scrutiny on head coach Steve Borthwick as the team continues a challenging July tour featuring upcoming fixtures against Fiji and Argentina.

South Africa overpowered England 45–21 in their Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park, handing Steve Borthwick’s side a fifth straight defeat and intensifying pressure on the head coach ahead of upcoming matches against Fiji and Argentina. Despite losing Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth before kickoff, the Springboks surged to an early 17–0 lead and maintained control with superior pace and physicality. England briefly rallied through tries from Ellis Genge and George Martin but faded late after two yellow cards left them with 13 men. Injuries, including George Furbank’s appendicitis, add to England’s mounting challenges as they return home for a critical week of preparation.

England head coach Steve Borthwick backed Henry Pollock to withstand hostile treatment from South Africa’s forwards in the Ellis Park Test, saying the 21-year-old thrives on provocation and performs with a smile. Pollock has become a target for Springbok supporters and critics, while Northampton teammate George Furbank said he consistently improves on bigger stages. England’s team selection included Jack van Poortvliet starting at scrum-half, Tommy Freeman continuing at outside centre, and Ollie Chessum designated as captain if Jamie George leaves the field.

Alex Coles says England must compensate for the absence of captain and lock Maro Itoje when they face world champions South Africa at Ellis Park. Itoje is being rested during the July tour, with Jamie George captaining the side, while Coles is expected to start alongside George Martin. England are also managing selection doubts involving Freddie Steward and the scrum-half position. After four straight defeats and a poor Six Nations campaign, Coles believes hard work in training can help England reverse their form against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

England centre Seb Atkinson is relishing the chance to face South Africa’s Damian de Allende in Johannesburg. The 23-year-old Gloucester player, who has previously played against Manu Tuilagi and Andre Esterhuizen, regards de Allende as an influential role model whose physicality and ball-playing ability have shaped his own game. Atkinson also discusses England’s preparation for the altitude at Ellis Park and hopes the experience will help him perform against one of the world’s leading midfielders.

Marcus Smith reflects on earning his 50th England cap and adapting from a presumed long-term fly-half role to covering fly-half and full-back from the bench. He says he is proud of his versatility and commitment despite difficult moments, including errors against New Zealand and Ireland that caused sleepless nights. With England preparing to face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in the Nations Championship, Smith argues that bold, aggressive play will be essential to defeating the back-to-back champions.

England and Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso said a Bath supporter threw a drink at him, pushed him and threw the cup in his face after Exeter’s playoff win at Bath. Despite breaking his jaw three weeks earlier and undergoing surgery, he risked playing in the Premiership final, where Exeter lost 26–17 to Northampton. A facial wound required stitches, but he avoided further jaw damage and was cleared for England’s Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

France defeated England 35-19 in a non-cap international in Vannes. England made costly errors and struggled for cohesion despite brief attacking spells, while France repeatedly exploited gaps in the defence. Tries from Cadan Murley, Marcus Smith and Max Ojomoh, along with a promising display from teenage wing Noah Caluori, offered positives, but Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s missed opportunity and France’s late scoring secured a convincing home victory.

Northampton forward Henry Pollock acknowledges that he remains a work in progress and is focused on learning from coaches and adapting his approach on the field. After receiving criticism for his conduct during a heavy defeat by Leicester, he adjusted how he handled confrontations and referees, contributing to a strong play-off performance. Northampton, driven by a high-tempo attacking style and a record 104 tries in the regular season, are seeking to defend their Premiership title against Exeter.

England head coach Steve Borthwick plans to rest captain Maro Itoje for the summer Nations Championship Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, citing his heavy workload, recent injury and the death of his mother. The decision depends on the fitness of George Martin and Alex Coles, as injuries could leave England short of frontline locks. Borthwick also indicated that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Alex Mitchell may play in the Premiership final if fit, while South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set to make his England debut in an uncapped match against France.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set to make his England debut from the bench in a non-cap match against a France XV in Vannes, despite not meeting England’s residency qualification until July 8. England will field a team led by George Ford, with Marcus Smith at full-back and several Premiership players included, while players from finalists Northampton and Exeter are unavailable. Steve Borthwick described the fixture as a demanding opportunity to develop the team ahead of England’s upcoming tour and Nations Championship Tests.

Steve Borthwick has again omitted England captain Maro Itoje from a 33-man squad for preparations ahead of the summer schedule, increasing the possibility that Itoje will be rested for some or all of the tour. Leicester’s Ollie Chessum and George Martin and Bath’s Charlie Ewels join the group, while Sam Underhill is absent with a possible injury requiring surgery. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has returned to Exeter sooner than expected after facial surgery, raising the prospect of an early Premiership final appearance. Saracens wing Noah Caluori, the Premiership’s leading try scorer and breakthrough player of the season, could make his England debut against France.

England will delay deciding whether to rest captain Maro Itoje during the summer tour until the Premiership play-offs conclude. The decision will depend partly on the fitness of fellow locks, while Itoje’s heavy workload, leadership of the British and Irish Lions, international schedule and recent family bereavement are being taken into account. Head of performance Phil Morrow supports the principle of sabbaticals but says rugby’s payment structures make them difficult to implement. Several injured England players are expected to recover before the July 4 Test against South Africa.

Exeter Chiefs secured the final Gallagher Premiership play-off place by beating Saracens 32–12, while Bath Rugby earned home advantage with a 24–22 win over Leicester Tigers. Bath will face Exeter in one semi-final, and Leicester will travel to Northampton for the other. Gloucester Rugby and Sale Sharks qualified for the following season’s Champions Cup. The result also marked the end of Mark McCall’s 15-year tenure as Saracens director of rugby.

Exeter Chiefs defeated Saracens 32-12 to claim third place and the final Gallagher Premiership play-off spot, with Henry Slade scoring a decisive try. They will visit Bath, who beat Leicester Tigers 24-22 through a Thomas du Toit hat-trick, in the semi-finals. Northampton will host Leicester in the other semi-final. Gloucester secured the final Champions Cup qualification place by beating Newcastle 54-21, while Sale Sharks also qualified after defeating Bristol 38-17; Harlequins missed out despite beating Northampton.

Departing Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says the Premiership should have at least 12 teams and continue staging league matches during international windows to reduce lengthy gaps between fixtures. He also advocates a weekly under-21 or under-23 competition so young players can develop within their clubs rather than being loaned to lower-league sides. Premiership Rugby plans to expand from 10 to 12 teams by 2029–30, while McCall will move into a technical-advisor and board role after 15 trophy-laden years. Brendan Venter is set to succeed him from the 2026–27 season.

Anthony Joshua is preparing to return against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Jeddah, after the event was moved from Riyadh. The bout is intended as a warm-up before a planned fight with British rival Tyson Fury in October or November. Joshua, who has not faced a meaningful opponent since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, says the two-fight plan gives him purpose and focus, but insists that signing the Fury deal is not meaningful until he wins.

England scrum-half Alex Mitchell is a doubt for the July Nations Championship after sustaining a hamstring injury during training. Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson expects Mitchell to miss the remainder of the club season and plans to discuss injury-management measures with England head coach Steve Borthwick and performance chief Phil Morrow. Mitchell previously missed the final two rounds of the Six Nations with an injury to his other hamstring, putting his availability for England’s summer Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina at risk.

Darts player Luke Littler received an MBE at Windsor Castle and spoke with Prince William, who said the World Championship at Alexandra Palace looked like a good night out. Littler offered the prince tickets to the event. The 19-year-old is now preparing for the Premier League finals, where he hopes to reach the final for a third consecutive year and could face rival Luke Humphries.

Darts star Luke Littler has offered to arrange World Darts Championship tickets for Prince William after the pair discussed the tournament when Littler received his MBE at Windsor Castle. Littler described the honour as surreal and said it recognized his impact on darts. He also addressed recent crowd heckling, saying he intends to respond through his performances at the Premier League finals. Littler is aiming for a third consecutive final and expects to face Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals, with a potential rematch against rival Luke Humphries.

Bordeaux Bègles retained the Champions Cup with a 41–19 victory over Leinster in Bilbao, taking control through a spectacular first half that ended 35–7. Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice and Maxime Lucu orchestrated the French side’s attack before adding two second-half penalties and earning player-of-the-match honours. Leinster responded with tries from Joe McCarthy and Garry Ringrose after Tommy O’Brien’s early score, but could not overcome the deficit. The defeat marked Leinster’s fifth Champions Cup final loss since their last title in 2018 and continued France’s recent dominance of European club rugby.

Courtney Lawes is targeting an England comeback after joining Sale from French second-tier club Brive, having retired from Test rugby after the 2023 World Cup. England head coach Steve Borthwick will monitor Lawes’ Premiership form, alongside that of fellow Sale recruit Joe Marchant, with a possible role in the 2026–27 campaign leading to the World Cup in Australia. Lawes will not be considered for England’s immediate Nations Championship matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina. Borthwick is instead focused on a demanding three-match summer tour across three continents as England seeks to recover from its worst-ever Six Nations campaign, including a historic defeat by Italy.

Wales have named an expanded 48-man squad for their summer fixtures, with returning captain Jac Morgan, injured players Max Llewellyn and Teddy Williams, and six uncapped players included. Exeter back-rower Kane James receives his first senior call-up despite previously representing England Under-20s. Wales will face the Barbarians on 27 June before Nations Championship matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa. Tomas Francis has been rested with the 2027 World Cup in mind, while Archie Griffin will miss the summer after surgery.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has urged his team to finish the job against Shakhtar Donetsk and reach the UEFA Conference League final, despite his planned departure at the end of the season. Palace lead 3–1 from the first leg and could secure European football at Selhurst Park next season by winning the competition. Glasner said the club’s recent success had allowed its supporters to “taste the honey” and that another trophy would enable Palace to write history again. Will Hughes is expected to return from illness, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa remain unavailable.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner urged his players to stay focused rather than become sentimental about his impending departure at the end of the season. Palace lead Shakhtar Donetsk 3–1 after the first leg of their Conference League semi-final and are seeking a place in the final in Leipzig. Glasner compared the club’s recent FA Cup success to “honey” and said the players want another major achievement rather than settling for “avocado.” Will Hughes is available for the return leg, while Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa remain injured.

Bordeaux Bègles defeated Bath 38–26 in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final in Bordeaux. Bath stayed competitive through two tries from Will Muir and a score by Louie Hennessey, but Bordeaux exploited defensive gaps, converted their opportunities and pulled away through tries from Marko Gazzotti, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Maxime Lucu and Ben Tameifuna. Bordeaux will face Leinster in the final in Bilbao on 23 May as they seek to retain the title.

Bath captain Ben Spencer remains doubtful for Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux Bègles because of a shoulder injury. Cameron Redpath, Max Ojomoh and Joe Cokanasiga are also touch and go, while Bernard van der Linde has undergone ankle surgery. Bath may therefore rely on Tom Carr-Smith and uncapped 18-year-old Isaac Mears at scrum-half, with injured players given until Friday to prove their fitness.

Bath recovered from a 10-0 half-time deficit to defeat Saracens 31-22 at the Recreation Ground and reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals. Henry Arundell scored twice, while Joe Cokanasiga, Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence also crossed; Thomas du Toit’s introduction helped reverse Bath’s scrum problems and earned him man-of-the-match honors. Saracens remained competitive through tries from Max Malins and Noah Caluori, but Bath sealed the win with Arundell’s 80th-minute score. Bath will host Northampton in the quarter-finals, while Toulouse, Glasgow Warriors, Sale and Toulon also advanced.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould says criticism from Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley and Liam Livingstone reflects their disappointment at being dropped from the national set-up. Gould argues that the ECB must focus its resources on centrally contracted players, while an internal review following England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat left Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes in their roles. Gould also rejects calls to discourage English counties from signing Australian players ahead of the 2027 Ashes, saying nationality-based restrictions would be unlawful. The ECB continues to debate the appropriate number of overseas players in domestic competitions.

Argentina is leading a joint South American bid with Brazil, Chile and Uruguay to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin is visiting Argentina to assess its suitability, with formal applications expected in autumn, a preferred host due to be selected in May 2027 and final approval scheduled for November that year. Argentina is viewed as a credible contender because of its strong rugby record, while Japan, Spain, Italy and a combined Middle East bid are also expected to compete. Australia will host the 2027 tournament and the United States the 2031 edition.

Ollie Pope rejects claims that England’s players lacked commitment during their 4-1 Ashes defeat by Australia. He says the team was determined to win and believes the series might have developed differently if England had converted its strong start in the first Test. Pope acknowledged that preparation, including only one three-day match, was not ideal, while the ECB reviews the tour’s planning, performance and squad culture amid reports of excessive drinking and a nightclub incident involving Harry Brook. Dropped after three Tests, Pope remains focused on regaining his place in the England side.

Ollie Pope rejected the perception that England’s players lacked commitment during their 4-1 Ashes defeat by Australia. He said the team wanted to win but failed to build on a strong start in the first Test, while acknowledging that the limited preparation match before the series was not ideal. The England and Wales Cricket Board is reviewing the tour amid criticism of preparation, performances and player conduct, including reports of excessive drinking and an incident involving Harry Brook. Pope, who was dropped after averaging 20.83 in the first three Tests, remains determined to regain his place in the England Test team.

Mikel Arteta says 16-year-old Max Dowman’s energy and fearless decision-making can inspire Arsenal as they pursue trophies on four fronts. Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer after scoring against Everton, but Arteta cautions against allowing hype to overwhelm the teenager and advocates developing him at the right pace. Arsenal, who drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, must now raise their performance to reach the quarter-finals, before facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are pushing to make captain Martin Odegaard available for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, although he will miss the Champions League second leg against Bayer Leverkusen. Jurrien Timber is also doubtful after suffering an injury, while Leandro Trossard is fit. Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Everton, with 16-year-old Max Dowman becoming the competition’s youngest goalscorer. Arteta and Riccardo Calafiori praised Dowman’s performance while cautioning against placing excessive pressure on him.

England suffered their worst-ever Six Nations campaign after losing 48–46 to France in Paris, their fourth consecutive defeat and leaving them fifth with only one win. Despite scoring seven tries and producing their strongest performance of the tournament, England were denied victory by a late Thomas Ramos penalty. Head coach Steve Borthwick said the team and supporters were hurting, criticized controversial officiating and the TMO process, and insisted he remains the right person to lead the side. The Rugby Football Union is expected to review the tournament and Borthwick’s future.

France defeated England 48–46 in Paris after Thomas Ramos converted a last-minute penalty. England produced their strongest performance of the Six Nations, scoring seven tries and briefly taking the lead through Tommy Freeman, while Ollie Chessum scored twice. France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored four tries, and England were hindered by Ellis Genge’s yellow card, their eighth of the tournament.

Maro Itoje has urged England to demonstrate character and restore pride against France in their final Six Nations match after a disappointing campaign. England risk suffering four consecutive defeats and recording their worst Championship finish since 1987, while Steve Borthwick’s future will be assessed by the Rugby Football Union. Despite France being heavy favourites and title contenders, Itoje believes England can defeat any opponent if they perform at their best.

Maro Itoje says England’s on-field disagreement with Fin Smith during the 23–18 Six Nations loss to Italy did not expose a rift in the squad. He characterized the argument over taking a penalty or kicking for goal as a normal sporting disagreement that was quickly resolved. England will seek to end a three-Test losing streak against France in Paris, with Ollie Chessum replacing Sam Underhill in the starting lineup. Head coach Steve Borthwick has received backing from the Rugby Football Union but remains under pressure ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

England forward Ollie Chessum says the team is determined to spoil France’s Six Nations title celebrations in Paris and end the tournament on a high. England are seeking to recover from three successive defeats, including their first loss to Italy, while coach Steve Borthwick retains the Rugby Football Union’s backing. Chessum acknowledges problems with discipline and converting pressure into points but says England showed improved physical intensity against Italy. He also defended captain Maro Itoje’s authority following a disagreement over whether to kick a penalty or choose an attacking line-out.

England will retain their much-criticized kicking-focused strategy for the Six Nations match against France in Paris, despite three consecutive defeats and an attack that has misfired during the championship. Scrum-half Ben Spencer defended the approach, arguing that kicking was not responsible for the collapse against Italy and that England’s problems extend across several areas of play. World Cup winner Matt Dawson criticized the tactics, while former England coach Eddie Jones backed Steve Borthwick as the best available coach. The Rugby Football Union has given Borthwick continued support but expects him to revive England’s fortunes during this year’s Nations Championship. Tom Curry will miss the France match with a calf injury.

Italy defeated England 23–18 in Rome for their first-ever win over them in 32 meetings. England led 18–10 after tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck, but Italy recovered through two Paolo Garbisi penalties and a decisive Leonardo Marin try while England played with Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje in the sin-bin. The result gives England a third consecutive defeat and leaves them at risk of recording their worst Six Nations finish, including potentially ending the tournament with only one victory if they lose to France.

Steve Borthwick said he remains confident that he is the right coach for England and has the backing of the Rugby Football Union despite a historic 23–18 defeat by Italy in Rome. England surrendered an 18–10 lead, suffered a third consecutive Six Nations loss and face the possibility of finishing the tournament with only one win. Former England wing Ugo Monye called for immediate discussion of Borthwick’s future, while Borthwick acknowledged the team’s poor results and performances but pointed to its development over the previous 12 months. He identified struggles in the contact area and a decline in try-scoring as issues to address before England’s final match against France in Paris.

England captain Maro Itoje has urged his team to produce an aggressive, accurate and energetic performance against Italy in Rome after their heavy defeat by Ireland ended their Six Nations title hopes. England have intensified training after poor starts and insufficient physicality in recent matches, while Italy arrive with growing confidence after beating Scotland and are viewed as having an unusually strong chance of winning the fixture. Itoje and lock Alex Coles said England must turn the disappointment of recent defeats into a productive response before facing France in the tournament finale.

England face an increasingly competitive Italy in Rome after losing to Scotland and Ireland, ending a 12-match winning run and damaging their Six Nations title hopes. Jamie George described the match as England’s toughest test against Italy yet, while expressing confidence that the recent defeats were temporary setbacks. Coach Steve Borthwick has made nine changes and criticised the team’s failure to maintain standards as England seek to rebuild their reputation before facing France.

England will field a radically revamped backline against Italy in Rome after consecutive Six Nations defeats to Scotland and Ireland ended their title hopes. Head coach Steve Borthwick has made 12 changes, including three positional switches, giving Elliot Daly his first appearance of the Championship alongside fly-half Fin Smith and centre Seb Atkinson. Daly says the reshuffled players must immediately take their opportunity, while England face a substantially improved Italy side despite having won all 32 previous meetings.

Steve Borthwick has made nine personnel changes and three positional switches to England’s team for the Six Nations match against Italy in Rome. The overhaul follows heavy defeats by Scotland and Ireland, with Fin Smith replacing George Ford at fly-half and Tommy Freeman moving from wing to outside centre. Injuries influenced some selections, but Borthwick said the changes also reflected his disappointment with England’s performances and were intended to reinforce team standards. Jamie George and Elliot Daly return to add experience, while Borthwick discussed managing pressure and expectations after meetings with Thomas Tuchel and previous conversations with Gareth Southgate and Brendon McCullum.

Ollie Chessum has challenged England to recover from successive Six Nations defeats by Scotland and Ireland and finish strongly against Italy and France. He acknowledged that England were poor in several areas against Ireland, saying the team lacked energy and precision while conceding early leads. Chessum said coaches and players had held frank discussions during the fallow week and would work on small improvements before facing Italy in Rome, while England’s prospects of winning the championship now depend on unlikely collapses by France and Ireland.

England scrum half Alex Mitchell will miss the final two Six Nations matches against Italy and France after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 42–21 defeat by Ireland. Jack van Poortvliet is expected to start in his place, while Raffi Quirke has been added to the squad. Centre Ollie Lawrence is doubtful for the Italy fixture, adding to Steve Borthwick’s injury concerns.

England have turned to members of their victorious 2003 Rugby World Cup squad for guidance after heavy Six Nations defeats by Scotland and Ireland left them fourth in the table. Steve Borthwick wants his players to learn how the former team overcame setbacks, while England review missed chances, 24 turnovers and a drop in intensity against Ireland. Their recovery will be complicated by Alex Mitchell’s hamstring injury, with Jack van Poortvliet likely to start against Italy and Raffi Quirke added to the squad; Ollie Lawrence is also doubtful before matches against Italy and France.

Alex Mitchell will miss England’s final two Six Nations matches after scans confirmed a hamstring injury suffered during the 42-21 defeat by Ireland. Jack van Poortvliet is expected to start at scrum-half against Italy, while Raffi Quirke has been added to the squad. Centre Ollie Lawrence is also doubtful after receiving a knee injection, although George Furbank and Chandler Cunningham-South could strengthen their claims by playing for their clubs.

Former England head coach Eddie Jones attributes the team’s collapse in the Six Nations to Steve Borthwick’s pre-tournament comments about a potential title decider against France. Jones argues that looking too far ahead may have distracted players, while England’s heavy defeats by Scotland and Ireland created a lasting psychological setback. With England fourth in the table, the Italy match in Rome has become a must-win fixture, and Jones says strong leadership is needed to reverse the decline.