Photograph: Steven Paston/PA

Borthwick given RFU backing for World Cup even if England flop in Nations Championship

Rugby Football Union chief Bill Sweeney has confirmed that head coach Steve Borthwick retains complete backing to guide the national team through the upcoming World Cup, regardless of how the squad performs during the autumn international schedule. Borthwick recently secured a contract extension running through the 2028 Six Nations, a move designed to eliminate distractions ahead of the global tournament despite the team dropping five out of their previous seven outings.

Meanwhile, squad preparations received a positive boost as fly-half Fin Smith resumed full participation in training sessions.

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