England rugby is looking to bounce back in a big way. After a disappointing fifth-place finish in the 2026 Six Nations Championship, head coach Steve Borthwick has announced his squad for 2025 with some eye-opening changes – most notably, a brand new captain at the helm.
The Red Rose showed glimpses of their potential in that final match against France last year, but Borthwick clearly wasn’t satisfied with mediocrity. The veteran coach has been busy retooling his lineup, bringing fresh faces and new leadership to Twickenham.
For American rugby fans, this English rebuild offers fascinating insights into how elite programs handle adversity. The Rugby Football Union’s approach mirrors what we’ve seen from successful franchises across American sports – sometimes you need to shake things up to get back to the top.
While England’s struggles might seem distant from American rugby, remember that many of the tactical innovations and player development methods pioneered in the Six Nations eventually make their way to US rugby programs. Keep an eye on Borthwick’s new systems – they could influence how American coaches approach the game.
The 2025 Six Nations kicks off in February, and England will be desperate to prove that fifth place was just a temporary setback.
Original story via Rugby World. Read more