Steve Borthwick could name new England captain for the 2025 Six Nations
12/16/2024 02:25 AM
England's 59-14 demolition of Japan offered some respite after a torrid autumn campaign, but the underlying problems remain impossible to ignore.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
A five-Test losing streak, punctuated by defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, has left fans and pundits questioning the direction of Steve Borthwick's side.
Seventh in the World—and Falling
England's current world ranking of seventh feels all too appropriate. Five wins from 12 matches in 2024 paint a picture of a team capable of beating weaker nations but consistently outclassed by rugby's heavyweights.
The last two decades tell a bleak story: just 27.3% of games against year-end top-four teams have ended in victory for England. That's the harsh reality facing Borthwick as his side prepares for the ultimate test—a Six Nations opener in Dublin against reigning champions Ireland.
Borthwick Under Pressure
The Rugby Football Union has made its expectations crystal clear: a minimum of four wins in the Six Nations. Anything less, and the pressure on Borthwick could become unbearable. After a lacklustre 2024, the next few months may define his future as England's head coach.
A New Leader in the Pack?
RUCK insiders have hinted at a potential shake-up: Maro Itoje could take over as captain ahead of the Six Nations. The Saracens lock, a proven leader with a wealth of experience, may be tasked with galvanising a squad in desperate need of a fresh spark.
With the Six Nations just around the corner, Borthwick faces a monumental challenge. Will a new captain be the key to reigniting England's fortunes, or is another year of mediocrity on the cards?
EDITORS PICKS:
- Popular referee Nigel Owens named rugby's ultimate hardman
- Former England Rugby Star Feared Dead After Car Swept Away in Flood
- Sir Clive thought fly-half could be better than Wilkinson never fulfilled potential
- Glamorous South Africa Physio Accused of 'Pitch Dark Arts' Departs
- Six Nations fanbases ranked: Who tops the table and who falls flat?
Here's Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With
Here’s a look at who these iconic players have settled down with and what they’ve been up to since lifting the trophy.
Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin
Jason Robinson's first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.
Robinson's career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks’ head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.
Will Greenwood – The Centre Who's Been a Rock for His Family
Will Greenwood's marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.
The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.
Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance
Mike Tindall's romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.
The couple's relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission
Ben Cohen's first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.
Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.
Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley's Quiet Romance
Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson's mother.
The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.
Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame
Matt Dawson's personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.
With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.
Lawrence Dallaglio – From Scandal to Stronger Than Ever
Lawrence Dallaglio's relationship with Alice, a former model and art student, has endured for over two decades, despite a rocky patch during the 2003 World Cup when Alice had an affair with one of Dallaglio's friends. They reconciled, married in 2005, and now have three children. Dallaglio's influence in rugby remains strong, as he continues to be an authoritative voice in the sport since retiring in 2008.
Rugby Quiz:
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it's the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best.
Today, we're counting down the top 100 men's capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world's biggest stage.
Whether they've thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
The post Steve Borthwick could name new England captain for the 2025 Six Nations appeared first on Ruck.
