England results ‘not where we expect them to be’ admits RFU
England's performance during a dismal autumn has fallen below expectations, the Rugby Football Union has acknowledged.
In a statement that declined to give head coach Eddie Jones its backing, the RFU confirmed that a review panel will stage its customary inquest into the campaign and "how improvementscanbemadeaheadofthe Six Nations".
"We would like to thank England fans for their patience and support, it matters to us how they feel," chief executive Bill Sweeney said. "Like them we arereallydisappointedwiththe results of the Autumn Nations Series. Despite strong individual performances and some great new talent coming into the team, the overall results are not where we expect them to be." Jones is back in the crosshairs after a comprehensive 27-13 defeat by South Africa on Saturday completed England's worst year since 2008, taking the form of six defeats, five wins and a draw.
The autumn opened with a first loss to Argentina since 2008, continued with an emphatic victory over Japan and comeback draw against New Zealand before concluding with a rout by South Africa.
Since 2019 the RFU has conducted a review after every block of fixtures but declines to reveal who sits on the panel beyond stating that it includes "boardandexecutivemembers along with independent, former players and coaches".
However, in a departure from the unequivocal backing offered to Jones when the 2022 Six Nations ended in three defeats for the third time infiveyears,thereisnomention of support for England's head coach this time.