The Alarming Truth: Why England's Rugby Problems Go Way Beyond the Pitch

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: After England's defeat by Australia last Saturday, I wrote that Steve Borthwick's side is not getting the key moments that define international rugby right. And that is a tactician's job, getting those moments spot on.

However, upon further reflection, it has become clear that the problems plaguing English rugby run far deeper than on-field errors. While the players and the coach receive the brunt of criticism, there are systemic issues within the sport that demand attention and reform.

At the heart of the problem lies the lack of depth in English rugby. With an under-resourced club structure, the pool of talented players is shrinking. England's young players are struggling to find opportunities to develop and grow, and as a result, the talent is not being nurtured and refined.

England's coaching set-up is another problem area. Steve Borthwick has inherited a side with some of the best players in the world but who lack the cohesion and decision-making that comes from having a settled team and an established playing style. Rebuilding England's rugby identity and style should be at the top of the agenda for Borthwick and his coaching staff.

Furthermore, the funding and sponsorship model of English rugby also needs to be reassessed. With a dwindling number of long-term corporate supporters, the RFU is heavily reliant on fluctuating TV revenue to keep the sport afloat. Unless this issue is tackled, rugby will struggle to compete with other professional sports.

A final cause for concern is the gradual decline of grass-roots rugby. Rugby at the junior and amateur levels provides the bedrock of the sport's talent development structure, yet participation numbers are dwindling due to increasingly expensive pitch fees and insurance premiums.

In conclusion, England's struggles are multifaceted and demand urgent attention from the RFU. From a shallow player pool to suboptimal coaching set-ups and questionable sponsorship models, the only way the sport can move forward is through collective reflection and sustained reforms.