sports
February 25, 2026
Steve Borthwick turns to 2003 World Cup heroes for Six Nations inspiration
Blow as scrum-half Alex Mitchell is ruled out of campaign
TL;DR
- Coach Steve Borthwick is involving 2003 World Cup winners like Martin Johnson and Jason Leonard to help inspire the struggling England squad.
- Scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations due to a hamstring injury.
- England has suffered consecutive defeats in the Six Nations against Ireland and Scotland.
- Players are encouraged to learn from the 2003 team's experiences in overcoming adversity.
- Areas for improvement identified include intensity, discipline, taking chances, breakdown play, and reducing turnovers.
- Ollie Lawrence is a doubt for the Italy match, while George Furbank and Chandler Cunningham-South might be considered.
- Lewis Moody, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, also addressed the team after a previous victory.
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